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Dear Friends,
As we enter this beautiful Christmas Season and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the trials Mary faced in order to bring her child into the world. Imagine if Mary had said "no".
Many of the women we serve at Mary's Shelter VA have faced that very decision. The stories we hear of abuse, homelessness, abandonment are painful. These women, like Mary, even with all their struggles, made the beautiful choice of life. We are blessed to be able to be here for them, provide safe housing and support and welcome their babies into our Mary's Shelter VA family.
I'd like to share a couple of recent stories. One of our moms came to us from a very abusive relationship, pregnant with a 5-year-old child in tow. The trauma she had endured was horrific, but her past did not stop her from taking advantage of our ministry program and moving forward. Her daughter is now in school, her baby has a trusted babysitter, and she is successfully working full time. Without the opportunity of living at Mary's Shelter VA, she does not know how this ever could have happened. Needless to say, she is so very thankful for this opportunity.
Another one of our moms, with many children in her care, also came from an abusive relationship. She had very little in the way of family support. When she found herself pregnant, she panicked at the thought of raising another child without a home or any type of support. When she arrived with her children at her new Mary's Shelter VA home, and she felt peace and calm. She is a great mom, has her children all set up in school and daycare, works two jobs and is hoping to soon have her own home. She has told us "because of my time at Mary's Shelter, I will never be homeless or abused again."
We share these stories so you can see where your generosity goes. Without you, we simply could not do what we do. Offering the opportunity of staying in our inspiring homes for three years, or more depending on their circumstances, is life changing, not only for the moms, but for the entire family. At this time, our homes are filled with moms and children and babies (we have about 40 littles in addition to their moms in our houses).
In 2023, we purchased another home. This home will provide much-needed refuge to three/four additional families. Our staff and volunteers have been working hard to get this home up and ready. Our plan is to open those doors right after the New Year!
I am happy to boast that we have the greatest, hardest working team who run this ministry daily. They are truly dedicated to every mother and child who enters our doors. Because of the guidance and care given, we have seen lives saved and lives transformed.
Thank you to all who have supported Mary's Shelter VA through your prayers, service and financial donations. We have been blessed by your generosity. If you feel called during this season to donate, please visit our website HERE and click "how to help". Every gift helps meet the many needs.
On behalf of the families we serve, the staff of Mary's Shelter VA, and the Board of Directors, I wish you a happy and Holy Christmas and New Year.
Mark Ivory, President of the Board of Directors
Mary's Shelter VA
p.s. attached above and below are pictures of just a few of our many babies born in 2023. Hope these littles brighten your day!
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