10 years strong: via Life After the Rain and related programming, Shenita Connally and related efforts provide support and more to the widow and widower community

The weekend of June 20-21, 2026 is meaningful given it's part of the celebration of the Junteenth holiday along with leading into the official (per the actual calendar) start of summer. For Life After the Rain via Shenita Connally and those supported by the organization's efforts, the weekend means something else (in a good way).

It's a weekend to not only build on the programming and access to resources provides for those who are widows, widowers, and their supporters, but the culmination and celebration of 10 years of providing enhanced access to resources and larger support within this segment of the community.

Taking it back 10 years ago in March (of 2016), given her life experience of having her husband (Winston) transition and becoming part of the widow and widower community, Connally simply listens to God and after extended prayer, thought, and reflection, decides to move a little differently; her movements reflect a new-found vision and purpose as she realizes that for those in this particular demographic and space, there is a need for a more compassionate community in need of committed healing, restoration, and renewal in the face of the loss of a spouse.

Life doesn't have to end with loss, and indeed, there is life after the rain.

The Florida-raised and Metro-Atlanta based educator (who is currently serving on the administrative staff within the Clayton County Public School System) leans on her faith, family upbringing (the middle child of 7 siblings along with being a mother and grandmother), and professional experience (which includes being a certified life coach, a proud member of the John Maxwell Team, a collegiate degree in Human Resources, and parent educator) to develop Life with Shenita, LLC. Through this entity, the following are focus areas by which support is provided:

• Life After the Rain. The main purpose is to support widows and widowers in rediscovering joy and meaning after heartbreak.

• Financial literacy and preparedness. Through her book Is Your House in Order (released in 2017) and related programming in collaboration with financial planners and related personnel, encouragement is provided to families across the board to prioritize stewardship and legacy programming.

• The HYDRATE initiative. A synthesis of physical and spiritual hydration results in programming focused on helping people overcome obstacles and experience "Life After the Rain".

The by-product of her work leads to being a proactive presence in the widow and widower community along with the community at-large. Given their launch on May 21, 2016 via an intimate breakfast for nearly 20 widow and widowers in heeding the call to serve, there are related key events which catapult her work in being a nurturing space and place, including the following:

• Expansion from the launch to an annual event, including making adjustments during the pandemic via virtual and drive-by celebrations during the Christmas holiday and related days.

• Creation and hosting of their 3K walk as in 2021 for International Widows Day (Clayton County International Park) for their inaugural year, more than 50 participants are a part of this event to build awareness and support for continued access to resources and related engagement.

• Continued storytelling and advocacy, as the release of her book, Abiding Love (2019) includes personal stories of love and loss to provide added visibility and support to the widow and widower community.

• Media recognition. Through the creation of her talk show (in 2020), Life With Shenita (on Facebook and YouTube), along with related media outlets, provide broader awareness for programming and related support for the widow and widower community is provided.

• Local and State recognition. In 2019, State Representative Mike Glanton provides honors and recognition of Life After the Rain at the State Capitol (Atlanta, GA), and in 2022, subsequent recognition is provided for the organization's continued advocacy for widows and widowers.

With the forthcoming edition of the annual walk (June 20, 2026 with a 7am start-time at the Lake Spivey Recreation Center in Jonesboro, GA), walkers and supporters are asked to wear a yellow t-shirt or walking shirt (and related attire) for the event. There is a $10 registration fee and brunch takes place after the walk.

To close out the weekend, all are invited to Sunday Service (June 21, 2026 at New Vision Christian Church in Lake City, GA at 9:30am) to celebrate 10 years of purpose, healing, and community (details are forthcoming for the celebration dinner taking place later that day).

The third weekend of June truly has meaning for many. As for Life with Shenita and related work via Life After the Rain via the undertaking of Shenita Connally and those supported, it just means a little bit more.

Notes: Readers are invited to call 404-429-8288 for more details, including registration and any related support/information (including the celebration dinner).