The Gift That Matters
For many, the winter holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. There is an expectation – from society, the media and those around us – of constant cheer around the holidays. This may not be a reality for our survivors. The holidays can also be a very difficult and emotionally charged time, for many, many reasons. It is easy to forget that some families can't count on safety, a warm home, or the support system most of us take for granted. This year has been very challenging for everyone, even more so for the families we serve.

We would like to make this holiday season very special for the survivors and families at our emergency shelter, Sanctuary Plus, and for the families in our innovative transitional-to-permanent housing program, RISE (Reaching Independence through Survivor Empowerment). Imagine falling asleep next to your children at a shelter during these times, wondering what the next day will bring. There’s a very different reality for our families at My Sister's Place. No family should have to celebrate the holidays in a shelter - no matter how welcoming and supportive we make it.

We need your help, our loyal supporters, to help us continue our efforts to provide a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Let's give these families a sense of hope and remind them that they are not alone during this tough period of their lives. Please consider giving this holiday season through the links provided below.
HEALING THROUGH ART
I am very grateful to My Sister’s Place, in selecting me to join the Art therapy program at MSP. Ms. Sharelle, thank you for helping me heal though art therapy. I am so blessed! - *Mary, MSP Client

Creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being, either creating or viewing others' art is used to help people explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and work on social skills. My experience in art therapy is a very positive one. I am a dedicated advocate, always willing to hold another survivor’s hand to help each other unlock the trauma and the pain that we have endured. Ms. Sharelle, MSP's Art Therapist, has helped me to express how my boundaries were being violated through the art I create. I was able to draw how my boundaries are too loose and how I tend to put everyone first, before my needs. Many roadblocks to setting those boundaries were identified, my culture and customs also hindered me from creating healthy boundaries. The feeling of guilt, having people think of you as selfish, or being afraid to lose loved ones.

I've learned how to create and set boundaries, let go of guilt, how to say no and let others do for themselves. Part of my healing is to become an advocate and speak up for my fellow survivors. I have been able to testify twice to address the needs of survivors in DC.
- Mary

*This survivors name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Please support our Art Therapy clients during
the holidays by contributing to our
Thanksgiving Food Drive,
an abundance of support...
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! We had an abundance of donations from our volunteers and our very generous supporters who provided items from our wish list such as turkeys, canned/boxed items, fresh pies, and more. Because of your generosity, we were able to give over 50 survivors and their families a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.

- YOU made it possible. Thank you so much!
Consider the Many Ways You Can Support
Survivors and Their Children this Holiday Season!



  • Provide basic necessities such as diapers, wipes, blankets, and feminine products via our Shelter Wish List.

  • Volunteer with us! We have many flexible volunteer opportunities allowing you or your group to support survivors during the holiday season, and throughout the year.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!!!