The Compassionate Widow

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month — a time to remind one another that HOPE, HELP, AND HEALING are always within reach.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988, the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

This month holds deep meaning for me. In my memoir, "Navigating a Hurricane of Hurts: Enduring the Loss of Loved Ones," an entire chapter is dedicated to honoring the powerful, beautiful legacy my son Justin left behind after losing his life by su***de.

His story continues to inspire my purpose: to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and remind others that they are never alone.

May we STAND TOGETHER with compassion — for those we’ve lost, for those who are struggling, and for the families learning to heal in the aftermath.

YOU MATTER.
YOUR LIFE MATTERS.
YOUR STORY MATTERS.

— Genene Onaye



***de
***dePrevention

09/01/2026

REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the RESTORED – Women’s Conference 2026, hosted by The Compassionate Widow.
This year’s theme: RESTORED — Restored by God, Equipped for Purpose, Sent to Impact.
Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:3-5 (NCV)

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Discover Church (Chapel)
7311 South 13th Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154

Enjoy a meaningful day with continental breakfast, worship, breakout sessions, lunch, and networking.

Register Online:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/restored-womens-conference--2026?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUDbrljbGNrBQNus3Bkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeFYanmv1Mur1gj3gfp4BqUKxvP5BPXqiAqhj15reu2LyNAbYo_PKu5EI_bzw_aem_630OHhXwJLywIx0KEOiOAA

Blessing Baskets Initiative:
Help us share God’s love through thoughtful donations.

Requested items:
• Tea and honey
• Soup mixes
• Journals and pens
• Self‑care items
• Scripture cards

Thank you for partnering with us — Together, we are making restoration possible.








Cheribu Music
Peter Battaglia
Heidi J Careaga
Meg Kissinger
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Darryl E. Seay
Transformed MenMinistry

08/31/2026

Some people are a blessing not only because of what they do, but because of who they are. One of those people is Dr. Cherigale White Buchanan.

I am honored to introduce Dr. Buchanan as a member of the RESTORED Women's Conference 2026 Planning Team and our anointed Worship Leader.

Her gift for leading others into the presence of God through song is truly extraordinary. Whether she is ministering through music, serving in education, or supporting families and communities, Dr. Buchanan consistently uses her God-given talents to glorify Him.

Dr. Buchanan has shown remarkable faithfulness to my family and to countless students, educators, and parents. As a fellow children's advocate, woman in ministry, and education ally, she has been a source of encouragement, wisdom, and support. Her servant's heart, commitment to excellence, and unwavering faith make her a joy to work alongside and a treasured member of the RESTORED Women's Conference Planning Team.

From singing in church choirs at the age of six to leading worship locally and internationally, Dr. Buchanan has dedicated her life to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through music.

Her ministry experience includes worship leadership in Israel, participation with the Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Choir, and ministry opportunities that have impacted audiences around the world. As a Gospel Recording Artist, Founder and Creative Director of Cherigale Music LLC, educator, and worship leader, her life reflects a commitment to serving God and uplifting others.

In addition to her music ministry, Dr. Buchanan brings more than 20 years of experience in education and has devoted her career to empowering students and supporting families. Her ministry is rooted in a deep love for Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), and her passion is to lead others into authentic worship, healing, hope, and restoration.

I am grateful for Dr. Buchanan's friendship, partnership, and faithful service. The RESTORED Women's Conference is stronger because of her presence, her prayers, her leadership, and her willingness to use her gifts for God's glory.

Please join me in celebrating Dr. Buchanan and thanking God for her ministry, her heart for His people, and her commitment to helping women experience God's healing and restoration.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock who saves us." Psalm 95:1 (NCV)


Peter Battaglia
Cheribu Music
Demetria Chante McCroskey
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Heidi J Careaga
Meg Kissinger

08/30/2026

Meet My Fellow Author, Colleague, and New Partner in Purpose, Erica Gumieny!

Sometimes God takes His time bringing people together for a reason.

About five years ago, I met Erica Gumieny, founder of Pivotal Point, at a professional women's event. From that first meeting, we always shared warm greetings, encouraging conversations, and the familiar promise:"We really need to get coffee sometime!"

Well, five years later, we finally made it happen.

Just over a month ago, Erica and I sat down in a local coffee shop to discuss the possibility of partnering together in support of the RESTORED Women's Conference 2026. What began as a business conversation quickly became something much deeper.

As we talked, we prayed. More than once, we asked God to show up in a powerful way. We prayed that He would guide our steps, reveal His purpose, and allow us to witness His awesome power in our own lives. We left that coffee shop believing God was up to something greater than either of us could imagine.

And He has been.

Erica's life and work are a testimony to God's transformative power. As the owner of Pivotal Point, LLC, she is a speaker, author, coach, and podcast host who helps others move through life with greater clarity, confidence, faith, and purpose. Through her devotional, Journey from the Ashes©, Erica encourages people to let go of what no longer serves them and embrace renewed hope, faith, and personal growth. Her passion for helping others find freedom from fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs aligns beautifully with the mission God has placed on my heart.

Today, I am honored to call Erica not only a fellow author and colleague, but also a valued partner in this ministry and conference journey. I am deeply grateful for her generous support of RESTORED Women's Conference 2026 as a Gold Sponsor and for her commitment to empowering women to step boldly into their God-given purpose.

What a reminder that God's timing is always perfect. Sometimes a five-year wait is simply preparation for a divine appointment.

Thank you, Erica, for saying "YES" to this partnership and for allowing God to use your gifts, wisdom, and testimony to impact the lives of women everywhere.

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3 (NCV)



Heidi J Careaga
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Erica Gumieny
Cherigale White Buchanan
Cheryl Porter
Peter Battaglia

08/30/2026

Friends and supporters of the RESTORED Women's Conference 2026, I humbly ask you to join me in praying for Rev. Sandra D. Banks.

This morning, Rev. Banks informed me that due to illness, she will be unable to fulfill her commitment to participate in the conference. While we will deeply miss her presence, wisdom, and fellowship, we fully support her need to rest and recover.

For more than five decades, Rev. Banks has faithfully served God's people through ministry, discipleship, mentorship, and leadership. As the Founder and Retired Pastor of Jerusalem Empowered AMEC, she has encouraged, guided, and strengthened countless individuals throughout Milwaukee and beyond. Her commitment to empowering women in ministry and developing future leaders has left a lasting impact on our faith community.

Although Rev. Banks will not be able to join us in person, I am honored to stand in the gap for her as the third panelist during our "RESTORED FOR IMPACT: Women Leading with Purpose" Tea Talk. We will continue celebrating the faith, leadership, and servant-hearted example she has demonstrated throughout her ministry.

"Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Rev. Sandra D. Banks and for her many years of faithful service to Your Kingdom. Today, we ask that You touch her body with Your healing power. Strengthen her where she is weak, restore her health, renew her energy, and grant her peaceful and restorative rest.

Lord, we pray that Your presence would surround her with comfort and peace. Encourage her heart, uplift her spirit, and remind her that the seeds she has faithfully sown into the lives of others continue to bear fruit. Let her feel the love, prayers, and gratitude of those she has impacted through her ministry.

As Your Word declares:

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are very glad."
Psalm 126:3 (NCV)

We believe You are still the God who RESTORES, RENEWS, AND BRINGS HEALING. May Rev. Banks experience Your strength day by day and return to full health according to Your perfect will.

In Jesus' name, Amen."



Peter Battaglia
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Cherigale White Buchanan
Heidi J Careaga

08/29/2026

Women of Milwaukee and beyond — don’t wait another day!

The RESTORED Women’s Conference 2026 is almost here, and registration closes THIS TUESDAY, September 1st.

If you’ve been feeling the pull to reset, renew, and rise stronger, this is your moment to say yes to yourself. God is doing something powerful in this season for His daughters — and you belong in the room.

RESTORED WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Discover Church (Chapel)
7311 South 13th Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154

Invite a friend, colleague, ministry partner, daughter, sister, or neighbor — and join us for a transformative day of worship, encouragement, fellowship, leadership development, and community impact.

Register today before registration closes:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/restored-womens-conference--2026?fbclid=IwdGRjcAT_1r5jbGNrBPin3nBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWXBGWXVoTlZvaFc1ZmlHZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4mUeZ3-eW9mWFIdIn5hBsUQ9hXkzSHiZchL37VIiwVWxi3wwe15s9mAAmkWA_aem_L5x6IQb82-0nvyRiqp0Gyg








Peter Battaglia
Heidi J Careaga
Cherigale White Buchanan
Cheribu Music
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Meg Kissinger
Transformed MenMinistry
Demetria Chante McCroskey
Tracy Bartleson Hardwick
Wanda Lamon
Bishop Walter Harvey

08/29/2026

As I reflect on the past two years since my first Book Launched, my heart is full knowing that approximately 500 copies of my memoir have been sold.

That means 500 homes, 500 hands, 500 hearts have held the story of my life — a story God allowed me to live, learn from, and share.

Purchase your copy today!

The Compassionate Widow:
https://thecompassionatewidow.square.site/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAT_wmhjbGNrBP_CX3Bkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEebqW1d6Cwk0u-S4eBDYI6Aw0V_kitVaf__rHoIwv_PpqlVDNP00xj5TrdH7A_aem_kxA5SzTIbSofthNCeLnQNg&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo06x6chcl

Payhip: https://share.google/fmyNgmsOkDvx7CjsC

Goodreads: https://share.google/Of27c9vz2hZSXscMD

Amazon:
https://a.co/d/0ex3SUB3

My journey has truly blessed me, and knowing it has blessed others is the greatest gift of all. THANK YOU for reading, supporting, and believing in the POWER OF MY TESTIMONY.

The story continues...

08/29/2026

I am feeling Truly Blessed to walk in this season of ministry with Marquette University’s Companions in Ministry.

Serving alongside a Compassionate, Caring Staff and Supporting Pastors and Ministry Leaders across our state is an honor I don’t take lightly.

Every conversation, every connection, every moment of shared purpose reminds me that God is doing something POWERFUL — and I’m grateful to be an integral part of this work.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/restored-womens-conference--2026?fbclid=IwdGRjcAT_KvZjbGNrBPin3nBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWXBGWXVoTlZvaFc1ZmlHZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4mUeZ3-eW9mWFIdIn5hBsUQ9hXkzSHiZchL37VIiwVWxi3wwe15s9mAAmkWA_aem_L5x6IQb82-0nvyRiqp0Gyg

Here’s to continued SERVICE, DEEPER IMPACT, AND WALKING FAITHFULLY in the calling God has placed on my life.








Peter Battaglia
Erica Gumieny - Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Coach
Cherigale White Buchanan
Meg Kissinger
Heidi J Careaga
Bishop Walter Harvey

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2026

We are honored to welcome Marquette University Companions in Ministry as our Empowerment Partner and Exclusive Premier Sponsor for the RESTORED Women's Conference 2026!

Together, we are creating a space where women can be restored by God's grace, equipped for purpose, and sent to impact their families, communities, and the world.

Marquette University Companions in Ministry, thank you for partnering with us to support faith, leadership, healing, and transformation.

RESTORED WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Registration closes September 1, 2026.

Reserve your seat today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/restored-womens-conference--2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawT4p95wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVlwRll1aE5Wb2hXNWZpR2ZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeJlHmd_nlvZlhSHSJ-YQbFEPYV5M0h4mXIS9-1SIsFVsYt8MHtebPZgAJpFg_aem_L5x6IQb82-0nvyRiqp0Gyg


Peter Battaglia