Every day, as part of the My Sister’s Place (MSP) community, you help shine a light on the realities of domestic violence and stand with survivors on their journeys to safety and healing. This October, we invite you to deepen that commitment by joining us for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to come together as a community and visibly show survivors that they are not alone. 

Abuse thrives in silence and isolation. When we come together as a community, we help create the space where survivors’ voices are heard, their strength is recognized, and seeking help feels possible. 

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 

🕛 12:00 PM –4:00 PM 

📍 Metropolitan Branch Trail (Wunder Garten, City-State, Metrobar, Lost Generation Brewing) and Alethia Tanner Park for community activities for all ages, including our signature Clothesline Project.

🔗 Pre-Register here: https://bit.ly/walksipsupport

Join us for an afternoon of connection and community along the Metropolitan Branch Trail! Special thanks to our brewery partners and local businesses for opening their doors to help us spread awareness of our programming. This day is a statement of bold support for survivors! At Alethia Tanner Park, participants can take part in our Clothesline Project, a community-created art display that raises awareness about domestic violence.

Proceeds from the event will directly support our Sponsor-a-Family initiative, ensuring gift cards are delivered to nearly 100 families this holiday season, bringing joy, dignity, and choice when it’s needed most. 

Participants in the Community Walk will collect stickers for a chance to win a raffle package valued at over $1,000, including prizes from Red Hen, Chef Geoff’s, Spin Time Records, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and VIDA Fitness. 

Take action: Register today, invite your circle, and help us spread the word. 

Donate directly to “Sponsor a Family,” all month long:

Our advocates see it every year: Sponsor-a-Family gift cards put choice back in caregivers' hands. Matching pajamas, an art kit, a book a child has asked for all year—and sometimes a small self-care gift for the parent, too.

Most importantly, parents are empowered to create the holiday traditions that are most meaningful for their families. That's the impact: dignity and joy, chosen by the family.

Help us reach $25,000 so that every family at MSP receives a gift this holiday season.

Volunteer Information Session (October 30):

Interested in volunteering with MSP? Join our information session or sign up to support our upcoming events by contacting Cassie at creeder@mysistersplacedc.org.

Please join us in welcoming Krista McDaniel as MSP's Interim Executive Director. She brings over a decade of extensive leadership experience and a comprehensive knowledge of MSP and our programs from her previous role within the organization. In her own words, Krista shares the values guiding her leadership, what excites her in this new role, and a message to our community.

What core value guides your leadership right now?

"Being client-focused. Having seen the effects of domestic violence on someone I'm close to, I understand the importance of walking alongside survivors and truly listening to understand their unique needs. MSP's trauma-informed, voluntary service model emphasizes client agency and thoughtful program design. It's inspiring to see staff advocate for clients like family. Just as when this organization began more than 46 years ago, this is truly 'My Sister's Place'.

What are you most excited about in this role?

"Our trajectory. Staff are pulling together to brainstorm new and exciting ways to address the challenges our clients face. We're offering new supportive programs and services—including individualized financial education coaching, career counseling, and housing support—that help families navigate a shifting housing landscape and move toward self-sufficiency. And thanks to the ongoing generosity of our supporters, we are not just surviving—we are thriving! From funding for job training and certifications to the ongoing services we offer through our Resilient Futures (formerly Aftercare) program, it is inspiring to see the difference your support makes for our families."

What should supporters know about MSP's direction?

"MSP is fortunate to have earned the support of our funders, and while many similar organizations were hit hard by recent cuts, we are in a good place. We're grateful for our committed community of supporters (you!) who understand how essential our services are. Your continued support makes it possible for us to provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, and a variety of supportive services—24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

"I'm inspired by our courageous clients, and grateful for our extraordinary staff and Board, and our generous volunteers and supporters. It's powerful to see what people can do when they come together with a purpose. Thank you for being a part of the MSP family—what an incredible community we have! Nothing we do would be possible without you."

Did you know you can turn your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) into life-changing support for survivors? 

DAF Giving Day is October 9, a national day to spotlight the power of DAFs, but you can recommend a grant to My Sister’s Place any day of the year. Every gift helps survivors and their families begin again with hope. 

Simply log into your DAF portal and search My Sister’s Place, DC (EIN: 52 – 1263256). 

MSP is entering FY26 on solid ground. We spent the past year preparing for the city-wide Family Rehousing Stability Program (FRSP) to close-out most of its contracts, including MSP's, and worked to shore up support across our funders and partners to ensure our core services continued. We secured increased funding from both the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) to support our Shelter and RISE programs, and to help sustain core supportive services like housing navigation, workforce development, and financial education programs. We are grateful to our funding partners for their ongoing commitment to, and trust in, our programs and services.

With your assistance, we will continue to sustain a safe and supportive space for those who need it most. Your gifts make possible the wraparound services that set MSP apart, and the support that helps survivors not only find safety today, but also thrive independently for generations to come. 

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