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As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on the moments, partnerships, and people who made the past year meaningful — and looking ahead to what’s next. From new healing programs to community-powered acts of care, these highlights reflect the collective impact you help make possible.
We hope these stories remind you of the incredible dedication and collaboration that make our work possible year-round.
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We’re excited to share that My Sister’s Place has launched a new website, designed to make it easier for survivors, supporters, and community partners to find information, access resources, and stay connected to our work.
The new site reflects our commitment to accessibility, clarity, and care — with streamlined navigation, updated content, and room for future enhancements that will further support the people we serve. We hope you'll check it out!
| | Fire Within: A New Healing Program for Survivors | | |
My Sister’s Place (MSP) is partnering with Dance Flamenco DC to launch Fire Within, a four-week, trauma-informed Flamenco movement program designed to support survivor healing, self-expression, and empowerment. The program is partially funded through a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The program will offer MSP survivors a safe, supportive space to explore healing and self-expression through movement and music, at no cost.
MSP is grateful to Dance Flamenco DC for hosting a performance earlier this month to launch the program. Event attendees enjoyed an evening of Flamenco dancing, music, and comedy to raise awareness and funds for this special program.
| | EDR Day of Service Partnership | | |
EskewDumezRipple (EDR), a nationally recognized architecture, interiors, and urban planning firm, marks its 12th Annual Day of Service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, by partnering with select nonprofits nationwide. MSP was honored to be chosen as a partner in Washington, D.C. EDR visited MSP's Sanctuary II emergency shelter and then envisioned how we might transform our units to better accommodate the ever-increasing need for safe, stable shelter.
Their work included architectural/design plans and cost estimates that can serve as a starting point if MSP decides to launch a capital campaign and bring these plans to fruition. Thank you to the cost consultants at Broadmoor for their assistance with the project.
A special thank you to Regina Davis, Project Manager; Camille Kreisel, Team Lead; and project team members Aïda Ayuk, Marta Fenollosa, and Roshell Grant Wesley for your commitment and thoughtfulness in presenting a comprehensive plan to better serve our community members.
| | A Corporate Community Who Cares | | Looking back on 2025, we are beyond grateful to our corporate partners for their commitment to survivors of domestic violence. | | |
WellpointDC gave $30,000 to MSP's Fresh Start Fund (FSF) to support education and employment training requests from survivors. Their generous gift covered over 30% of the FSF requests for employment training, licensure, and certifications.
Their renewed support for 2026 will continue expanding access to life-changing career pathways for survivors.
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Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) committed $25,000 in 2025 to further MSP’s mission with a focus on our Latino clients, who represent more than 17% of the 600+ survivors we serve annually.
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Truist committed $20,000 to further MSP’s growing Workforce Development (WFD) Program, contributing to 27 clients securing employment in 2025.
| | Our Corporate Changemakers: | | We are also grateful to our $10K+ Changemakers, who made our mission possible with their generous giving: | | |
A special thank you to United Health Group, whose staff spent a December afternoon assembling welcome baskets of household essentials for clients in MSP's transitional housing programs, helping make the holidays brighter for families.
Interested in joining our Corporate Giving Program for 2026? Learn more on our website or contact Renae Erichsen, Director of Institutional Giving, at rerichsen@mysistersplacedc.org.
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| A Season of Care, Powered by Community | | |
This holiday season reminded us how much good a caring community can create together. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of volunteers, our annual toy drive brought joy to children who will start the new year feeling supported, remembered, and cared for.
We’re also grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s holiday dinner at Sanctuary such a meaningful gathering. With support from donors like Accenture and committed volunteers, clients were welcomed with a warm meal, friendly faces, and a sense of comfort during a difficult season.
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During our Community Client Holiday Event, volunteers and staff lovingly wrapped gifts selected by families, distributed gift cards, and created moments of connection. One of the highlights of the event was our festive photo wall, where both staff and clients captured joyful memories and celebrated the spirit of togetherness. The smiles, laughter, and heartfelt conversations shared throughout the day made this event truly special.
| | | The Stars At the Top of Our MSP Tree | | This season, we’re proud to recognize the team members who truly go Above & Beyond for survivors and families every day. Their dedication, compassion, and professionalism are at the heart of our work — and their impact is felt across every program at My Sister’s Place. | | This quarter’s honorees include Amatullah and Saul, whose work supports survivors in building stability, confidence, and momentum toward their goals. | |
“I’m inspired by the mission of assisting survivors with services, helping them regain their momentum through advocacy with housing, financial empowerment, and workforce development.”
— Amatullah, Director of Program Operations and Reporting
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“Seeing survivors gain clarity and confidence around their finances reminds me why this work matters. Talking about money isin't easy, especially when it's been tied to stress, trauma, or control. Yet they show up and take steps toward understanding and managing their finances.”
— Saul, Financial Empowerment Lead
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| We’re grateful to work alongside a team that leads with heart and supports one another in this important work. | | As we look ahead, we’re excited to share our 2025 Impact Report next month — highlighting the outcomes, stories, and community support that made this work possible. We can’t wait to share it with you! | | | | |
