What Healing Looks Like: Stories of Growth & Community

Summer brings sunshine, family, and fun—but also new challenges for survivors of domestic violence. At My Sister’s Place (MSP), we remain committed to walking alongside our clients through every season, offering safety, support, and opportunities for healing. This month, we're honoring growth, spotlighting transformation, and inviting you to take action.  

Indiah receives the Above and Beyond Award

For Indiah, serving survivors isn't just a job—it’s a calling. “I try to serve from the heart, with no expectation of receiving anything in return,” she shared. But this month, we turned the spotlight on her, honoring Indiah with MSP’s Above and Beyond Award. Her words say it all: “To help others get to a safer place with an improved story is a wonderful ending—and an award in itself.” 

Indiah’s compassion, humility, and deep sense of purpose inspire everyone around her. She views her work as a means to create safe spaces, share knowledge, and support those navigating life’s most challenging moments. “The smiles on our residents’ faces—that’s what motivates me,” she said. “I understand what it’s like to need someone to help, to show you the way when you’re in doubt.”  

Her dedication is a reminder that the most meaningful support is both practical and deeply human, rooted in empathy, respect, and a willingness to walk alongside someone until they’re ready to write their next chapter. 

Thank you, Indiah, for showing up for survivors with compassion, wisdom, and warmth.

From Doubt to Determination: A Story of Growth

When Stephanie, a dedicated team member of our RISE Plus program, first met her client, the young woman was unsure of herself and hesitant to pursue her goals. Today, she confidently advocates for herself in every space she enters.  

"Progress can look like showing up to an appointment or making a difficult phone call. These are powerful acts of resilience," Stephanie says. 

Just months later, her client is graduating from nail school, has secured a job at a salon, and is well on her way to achieving long-held dreams. 

“It’s not just about the job,” Stephanie adds. “It’s about how she carries herself now, how she speaks up for what she needs. That kind of transformation is what keeps me going.” 

Stephanie’s ability to support survivors through moments big and small hasn’t gone unnoticed.  

Her supervisor, Gabriela, shared: 

“Stephanie doesn’t just complete tasks—she elevates the work. Her patience, thoughtfulness, and commitment to our mission make a lasting impact on everyone she serves.” 

Stories like this remind us that healing isn’t always loud, but it's always powerful. With the proper support, survivors don't just survive, they thrive.   

Every child deserves a safe place to laugh, play, and just to be a kid. On August 15, MSP will partner with Howard University for a special Day of Service project to revitalize and repair our outdoor play area. 

"The playground is where imaginations soar, and healing begins." 

Years of wear and weather have left our playground in need of repairs. With Howard University Volunteers leading the charge, we're fixing landscaping, potting new plants, and creating a comfortable area for parents to watch over their kids. Our goal is to create a vibrant and safe place for the families we serve at My Sister's Place. 

Here's how you can help:

• Donate gently used tools (drills, shovels, rakes, paintbrushes) 
• Provide materials like outdoor paint, mulch, or outdoor playhouses 
• Join us for the volunteer project day 
• Make a gift to help us replace broken equipment and supplies

This is more than just a clean-up project; it’s a chance to restore joy and safety for kids who need it most.

To donate items or sign up to volunteer, please contact our Volunteer and Engagement Manager, Cassie, at creeder@mysistersplacedc.org.

It’s easy to pour your heart into this work, but it’s just as important to refill your own cup. A few weeks ago, our team came together to pause, reflect, and recharge with a joyful staff self-care event. Chair massages, tote decorating, ice cream, snack breaks, and creative collaging filled the day with warmth, laughter, and a sense of connection. 

A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible HR team for making it all happen—and to our partners at Accenture for hosting us so graciously. As always, we’re reminded that healing-centered work starts from within. Whether you’re a survivor or a service provider, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Check out some snapshots from the day: 

Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV), its Survivor Advisory Board, and member organizations like MSP, the DC Council has restored critical funding for survivor services in the FY26 budget.

This means renewed support for emergency housing, legal aid, mental health care, and culturally specific programs—proof that collective action works.

Key wins include:

• Full restoration of Access to Justice funds (DC's largest public investment in civil legal services for low-and moderate-income residents).
• 14.3% increase in Victim Services grants.
• $500K retained for domestic violence services.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and investments in the Targeted Affordable Housing (TAH) program.

While this is a significant step forward, we’re not done yet. This remains a tough time for the DC area and the organizations that serve those most in need. We will continue pushing for full investment in prevention and long-term sustainability—for the survivors and families who deserve safe housing and a path forward.

Thank you to every advocate, survivor, and supporter who raised their voice. This victory is yours.

Thank You & Ways to Get Involved

Thank you for being part of the My Sister's Place community. We truly couldn't do this work without you.  

Here's how you can continue to make a difference this summer: 

• Donate to support urgent needs and client care. 
• Volunteer or attend our volunteer info session tomorrow, Thursday, July 31, from 5 pm to 6 pm.
• Follow us on social media and share our content.

Have feedback or ideas? We’d love to hear from you—just hit reply and send us a message. 

Together, we make safety, healing, hope, and home possible. 

In Case You Missed It

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