WIN program transitioning to new group

After six years of serving local widows and widowers by creating the nonprofit “W.I.N.” (Widows/ers In Need), Jessica Varney and Leslie Hummel are announcing the transition of their program over to Amanda and Todd Fryer — who will continue this important work.

The program has offered free wood during winters, weed eating, handyman services, home cleaning and other miscellaneous needs.

What began as a simple idea to provide encouragement and support for this neglected demographic, has grown into a meaningful community that has touched many lives. There are currently over 40 widow(ers) that have been helped since the inception of the program.

“Stepping away was not an easy decision because we feel so deeply knit to those we’ve been serving, but we’ve been blessed to help as long as we could, and are fully confident in the compassionate care the Fryers will continue to provide,” said Varney.

Hummel adds, “Being able to bring practical help and care for widows and widowers in Mariposa has been the goal of WIN since its founding. It has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in ministry and I am grateful to God and to the people that allowed us to serve them these past six years. I look forward to seeing how God will use Amanda and Todd to continue this work.”

Varney and Hummel extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported this mission.

The Fryers share their vision of moving forward, starting with a new name for the program; “The Great Commission of the Sierras.”

They said it will incorporate connecting those in need in the community with local resources — using donations and grants to fill in the gaps. Their mission is, “To carry out the work of Jesus Christ by sharing His love with others, as we were commanded, and help others to do the same.”