Founder
Dana Willams-Ables serves as a social services leader and the founder of Grace & Gathering, an initiative that provides long-term, community-based support, practical planning tools, and empowerment opportunities for widowed parents and families navigating major life transitions.
Her professional background in social services, combined with her personal journey, allows her to approach this work with both practical expertise and deep empathy for the challenges families face.
This work is not just professional; it is deeply personal.
Dana believes healing happens in community and that no widowed parent should have to walk the journey of grief and parenting alone.
Because grace makes room for gathering.
My Story
In 2006, after the loss of my husband, I found myself navigating widowhood while raising children and trying to make sense of a future that looked very different than the one, I had planned. During that time, I quickly learned something many widowed parents discover, while support often surrounds families in the early days of loss, long‑term guidance, planning resources, and community connection become much harder to find as time moves forward. I saw firsthand how parents are expected to continue leading their families while quietly rebuilding identity, stability, and direction on their own.
Through community symposiums, workshops, and collaborative partnerships, my mission is to create spaces where families can access meaningful resources, build supportive networks, and develop forward‑focused plans that strengthen stability and resilience over time.
I believe that when people are given the right tools, the right community, and the right encouragement, healing is not only possible, growth is as well. And no parent should have to rebuild their future alone.
If you’re a widowed parent or supporting one, I’d be honored to connect. When you’re ready, you can reach out to explore whether Grace & Gathering’s resources, consultations, or events might be a good fit for you and your family.