Support for the Whole Family
Our programs address the practical, emotional, and long-term needs that can arise when a parent is suddenly left to carry a family alone. Through structured assistance, personal accountability, education, and community partnerships, participants receive tools and resources designed to help them create a stronger path forward.
A Stable Place to Regroup
Eligible participants may receive access to supportive transitional housing while actively working toward educational, personal, and financial goals. Housing is designed to provide temporary stability while participants complete program requirements and prepare for greater independence.
Space to Heal
Grief does not disappear because responsibilities continue. What About Us recognizes that the death of a parent affects the entire family, and healing is an important part of rebuilding stability.
As part of the What About Us program, both surviving parents and children are required to participate in age-appropriate grief and bereavement support. Families will be connected with approved grief-support providers and professional bereavement resources based on their individual needs.
Support may include group grief programs, counseling or therapeutic referrals, educational sessions, and other appropriate bereavement resources. What About Us will also host grief and loss education sessions in Pine Bluff to help families understand grief, strengthen healthy coping skills, and learn about available support.
Healing is not about putting a timeline on grief. It is about making sure families do not have to navigate it alone.
Building Toward Something More
Education is a key part of our long-term approach. Participants must be enrolled in an eligible college or degree program or commit to enrolling within 90 days of entering the program. We encourage participants to use this period of structured assistance to pursue education that can increase career opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Education Pathway
Participants are expected to already be enrolled in a college or degree-seeking program or enroll within 90 days of entering the program.
Preparing for Financial Independence
Financial education helps participants prepare for life beyond the program. Through financial literacy education and community partnerships, participants can strengthen skills in budgeting, credit, saving, debt management, and responsible financial decision-making.
Practical Help for Everyday Needs
Our Family Resource Closet will help participating families access clothing, household goods, furniture, and other essential items. Donations from the community allow useful items to be placed directly into the hands of families participating in our programs.
Connecting Families to More Resources
No single organization can meet every need. We work to build relationships with local nonprofits, childcare providers, financial education organizations, churches, businesses, social service agencies, and other community partners so participants can be connected with additional resources when appropriate. Services provided by outside organizations are referrals or partnerships and are not necessarily operated or funded directly by What About Us.
Your Circle of Support
Sometimes support isn’t a program or a resource. Sometimes you just need someone to call.
Families participating in What About Us are surrounded by a personal circle of support and can reach out for guidance, practical help, encouragement, a listening ear, or prayer. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Because weathering the storm shouldn’t mean weathering it alone.
Program Support
Helping you navigate program requirements, educational goals, and accessing the resources available through What About Us.
Case Worker Support
A dedicated point of contact to provide guidance, accountability, and personalized assistance as you work toward independence.
Faith & Pastoral Support
Spiritual encouragement and prayer support for those seeking a faith-based perspective during their healing journey.
Support With Purpose
Participation requires commitment. Families receiving ongoing program assistance will be expected to actively participate in their individualized plan, pursue agreed-upon educational goals, participate in required financial literacy and wellness resources, communicate with program staff, and work toward measurable progress.
Program Eligibility Criteria
We serve surviving parents raising children under 18 after the loss of a spouse or partner. Our priority is providing stability to those committed to their family's future. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or degree-seeking program, or provide proof of intent to enroll within 90 days of program entry to be considered for housing and long-term support.
Please note that meeting initial eligibility requirements is the first step and does not guarantee placement. Acceptance into our programs is determined by a comprehensive needs assessment, the applicant's dedication to program goals, and current resource availability within the What About Us? network.