In the spring of 2010, I woke up believing it would be an ordinary day. I had a loving husband, three wonderful children, another baby on the way, and a life filled with family, friends, and a caring community. I was grateful for every blessing. Within hours, everything changed.
In the blink of an eye, I became a widow while preparing to welcome my fourth child into the world. The shock was unimaginable. Suddenly, I was asking questions no person ever expects to face: How would I provide for my children? How would I keep a roof over our heads? How would we move forward?
In time, we lost our home and our financial stability. Along with so much that was tangible, I struggled with a profound loss of confidence and identity. Yet somewhere, deep within me, I never lost hope. Although our world had grown dark, I believed that one day the light would return. For the sake of my children, I chose to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
For years, I raised my four children as a single mother, and not a day passed without feeling the weight of the loss of my husband. But I was never truly alone. Family, friends, neighbors, and members of my community stepped forward with extraordinary generosity, offering practical help, encouragement, and compassion when we needed it most. Their kindness carried us through our darkest days, and the gratitude I feel for their support can never be fully expressed.
During those years, I made a promise to myself: if I could ever help another woman facing unimaginable loss or hardship, I would.
Today, I have the privilege of fulfilling that promise.
With the support of my husband, Ronald, and my four incredible children, we created the Shine Foundation to ensure that women rebuilding after widowhood, domestic violence, and other life-altering circumstances never have to face those challenges alone. Through essential resources, compassionate support, and a welcoming community, we strive to restore dignity, confidence, and hope for every woman and family we serve.
Shine exists because I know firsthand how life can change in an instant, and how the compassion of others can help someone find the strength to begin again. Together, every client, volunteer, donor, and partner makes Shine what it is, a community where light is shared, hope is strengthened, and no one moves forward alone.
Susie Nussbaum Domb
Founder, Shine Foundation