We
are so looking forward to seeing everyone next month at the Soirée!
There are so many amazing stories from the last year that we are excited
to share with you. With almost every new resident comes a tragic
story - a story of abuse and hardship, misery and neglect. But then
there are the stories of hope and transformation. We want to share with
you the stories of lives rekindled by the respite and opportunities
offered at Mary's Shelter. We are certain that after you watch the
video interviews of our residents at the Soirée and hear their amazing
stories in their own words, you will be as excited as we are about your
local, life-saving, pro-life ministry.
We hope to see you there!
God bless,
Kathleen Wilson, director
"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."
- Mother Teresa
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Save the Date for the Summer Soirée!
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Please plan on joining us at the
4th Annual Mary's Shelter Summer Soirée
to be held at the Fredericksburg Expo Center on
Saturday, August 10th from 6-10pm.
We look forward to another evening of great food, awesome music, and inspiring speakers!
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Calling All Artisans, Bakers and Crafters!
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Since 2009, friends of Mary's Shelter have gathered on a crisp fall day to celebrate and defend life at the Annual Mary's Shelter Arts and Crafts Benefit. Amateur and professional artisans and crafters have provided beautiful one-of-a-kind items for shoppers to purchase
with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Mary's Shelter.
Fall
of 2013 is approaching rapidly so we are sending out the call for
creativity again. Here are some ideas that have been donated in the
past:
- baked goods
- knitted scarves, hats, mittens, and shawls
- refurbished furniture
- Jesse tree symbols and St. Nicholas ornaments
- hand strung rosaries and jewelry
- professional photography and paintings
- an original play in 3 acts
- soaps and bath salts
Please prayerfully consider crafting for and/or shopping at this year's Mary's Shelter Arts and Crafts Benefit. If you are able to donate a talent, please contact Adele at jrajr@earthlink.net by August 31st with your idea. Final products will not be required until the week before the event.
Thank you! |
Resident Interview - "Lily"
"Lily" is from Philadelphia and has been living at Mary's Shelter since June, 2013. She
is 24 yrs. old and due with her third child in December, 2013. She has
a high school diploma as well as a Nursing Aide Career Training
certificate. She came to Mary's Shelter looking for a fresh start after
a difficult and unhealthy relationship.
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Q: How did you find out about Mary's Shelter?
Mary's
Shelter was brought to my attention when I decided on my own that an
abortion was never going to be a part of my life. Every conceived child
deserves a chance to live a safe and happy life. My mother had 8
abortions. The one child she wanted to conceive was born weighing 1 lb.
and lived for 1 hour. He would be 10 yr. old today. I was put here for a reason.
Q: What have you found helpful about the shelter?
The shelter itself! The staff is firm but honest, which is needed.
Q: Are there things about living here that you find difficult?
Moving
from a big city to a more suburban area, coping with different people,
and not knowing where anything is can be frustrating.
Q:How would you describe your life growing up?
Rough
and smooth. My parents had me young so I was raised as an only child
by my grandparents which was both fun and sad. The trust issues started
when I could understand that the people closest to me hurt me and let
me down. I went from being an Honor Roll student to a straight C
student. I got a job at Burger King when I was 14 and I have had a job
ever since. I've never sat in the back of a police car or been sent to
jail. Blessed!
Q: Did you ever consider having an abortion during this pregnancy?
Yes.
All of the women in my family have had at least 1 abortion. They
painted a picture for me that abortion was okay. But to me it is NOT.
Things happen for a reason, so we can be taught life's lessons. I have
never had an abortion and I never will.
Q: Can you tell me about your other children?
My
oldest son is 3. He looks just like his dad. He is very smart, has a
large vocabulary and loves puzzles. My youngest son is 2 yrs. old and
very quiet - the opposite of his brother!
Q:What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced?
Saying
no to my family about having an abortion. I have always listened to
them about my well-being and lifestyle, so this was very challenging for
me.
Q:What aspects of your life are you trying to change?
I
cannot trust people. Learning to trust people is very hard for me. I
would like to become stronger both mentally and emotionally and look at
life in a different way. I need to remember that not all people are bad
or have ulterior motives.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself?
I need to find a job right now and save enough money for an apartment.
Q: What place does God have in your life?
Allah is with me everyday, all day. Even when things aren't going my way, I know there is a better plan.
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Volunteer Interview - Melissa Goodnough
 I'm
Melissa! I graduated from Fredericksburg Christian School in 2011 and
am currently going to college locally. I've been blessed with a flexible
schedule and have had the opportunity to get involved in the community.
I go to Spotswood Baptist which has given me a lot of outlets, but I
have also had the joy of getting involved at Mary's Shelter. I love
spending time with family and friends and I also love to cook and bake!
I'm hoping to open a bakery/sandwich shop that serves food for people
with allergies or dietary restrictions. In the mean time, I'll be
getting my degree and hopefully helping out at Mary's Shelter!
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Q: What sort of volunteer work do you do for Mary's Shelter?
I watch the infants for an hour on Monday nights while the moms participate in Monday Night Madness.
Q: How did you first get involved with Mary's Shelter and begin volunteering?
I first
got involved while I was in high school. My art class volunteered as a
service project, which is how I found out about Mary's Shelter.
Q: How do you find the time to volunteer?
I go to college locally and work part-time, so an hour or two once a week is easy to fit into my schedule.
Q: What is the best part of volunteering at Mary's Shelter? What have you learned from your volunteer experience?
The
very best part is getting to form new relationships with the moms and
the kids. I have met some wonderful people! I've really gained a new
perspective on things and learned that everyone has a story and they are
all worth listening to.
Q: What do you feel you have to offer to the residents?
Not
a lot! I'm a young college student so I don't have much in the way of
experience or money. But I do have my time and a listening ear which
sometimes is all that's really needed.
Q: What would you recommend for others who want to get more involved in Mary's Shelter through volunteer work?
I
would recommend they jump in feet first. There's always something going
on and there is plenty of ways for people to get plugged in doing what
they have a natural talent for. Whether that's helping with children or
mentoring mothers.
Q: What is the best thing about Mary's Shelter?
The
best thing about Mary's Shelter is what they stand for. The sanctity of
life is something that is under fire and Mary's Shelter is a beacon of
hope. I love getting to be part of that!
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*
Thank you to all the volunteers who made our 3rd year of Monday Night
Madness a success. We could not possibly run it without our two
babysitting supervisors, dedicated babysitters, and fascinating speakers
and instructors! Thank you all!
* Thank you to Carolyn Brodeur for her countless hours of assistance both in the boutique and the office!
* Thank you to Kim Matos for the amazing furniture donation!
* Thank you to April Heflin for donating so many wonderful outdoor toys!
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Fulfill the Promise Campaign
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 Are you a part of the Mary's Shelter family? Our Fulfill the Promise campaign asks for just a small monthly donation. Could you commit to $20 a month to fund Mary's Shelter?
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