LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The pandemic may have brought about some changes, but it has not slowed us down! We’re adjusting to the virtual world of events and fundraising, all of which are critical to the ongoing operations of Marian House. In addition, our women continue to excel, not only amidst a pandemic, but against the injustice and systemic oppression that many of our residents face in their lives. View the full newsletter below
Dear Marian House Friend,
As we approach the midpoint of 2020, I want to take a step back and reflect upon what a year it has been, and what our experience tells us about where we are going.
Little did we know in January that the first six months would result in three devastating, world-changing crises, the intensity of any one of these is enough to shatter who we once thought we were as a society. The Covid-19 pandemic quite likely ensures that we will not return to the “normal” we once knew. It has been quickly followed by a rapid and all-encompassing recession as jobs, businesses and other institutions may be permanently lost as a result of the virus.
Then, just three weeks ago, we learned of the tragic and avoidable death of George Floyd. His death, and those of numerous others before him, stripping bare the systemic racial inequities that continue to plague our country. We now see daily ongoing activism and the coming together of a nation trying to correct the disenfranchisement that continues to occur in black and brown communities. This includes citizens returning from incarceration and others struggling to find a place in our society, and most importantly, the women and families we serve.
Our vision is clear: Marian House must continue to strengthen our society by unlocking the potential found within the women we serve, and the values which guided us through our first thirty-eight years must continue to guide us through these troubling and turbulent times. We must still value the innate dignity of each human being.
Within a culture of respect and understanding of the human condition, the values of patience, trust, honesty, and integrity direct all of our interactions and endeavors. Marian House will remain committed to equity and inclusion. We will continue to value diversity of thought and honor individual identity including race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, and religion.
Our work is hard. Our work is important. The realities of the fast changing world in which we now find ourselves make our work harder, and even more critical. But we must do more. And we will.
Thank you for joining our commitment to the community by helping us live the core values we espouse, as we strive, with love, care, patience and persistence to do the right thing for the women we serve. Please work with us to explore how we can do more, how we can do better.
Our women and our community deserve no less than that.
Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of our important work at this critical time.
Katie Allston, LCSW-C
Executive Director
Winter is in full swing, but stories from Marian House will warm your heart! View the full newsletter HERE!
With summer’s end, autumn’s rush, and winter not too far away, we’re excited to share what’s been happening at Marian House and what’s to come this season!
Jane, one of our residents, shares her story of resilience: what brought her to Marian House, her progress since coming, and her exciting plans for the future!
You can also read about ways to get involved this coming holiday season, through our Thanksgiving Food Drive or our Holiday Adopt a Woman/Child/Family!
Other exciting contents include:
In the heat of summer, hear all the COOL things happening at Marian House! Read our Quarterly Newsletter and feel the heart beat of Marian House through the stories of the women we serve, from our Executive Director, community partners, and more!
As we embark on our 11th year of the Marian House Race to Embrace Independence we are excited to announce an ALL NEW way to get involved in the annual fundraiser. Have you ever wished you could participate, but live too far, have a scheduling conflict or maybe running just isn’t for you? Well this year we have the answer to solve this, Virtual Running.
Maybe you have never heard of virtual running, but it is how we at Marian House hope to include everyone in the fun and festivities that support our work and our women. The all new virtual running option will allow participants both near and far a week to complete their mileage, from Sunday September 22nd-Saturday September 28th. You choose your starting line and when and where your finish line will be. Complete your distance in one day or over multiple days. This gives you the flexibility to do what works best for you while supporting an organization that you stand behind. Enjoy the race experience, but skip the parking and porta-potties.
Sign-up for our virtual run option and receive a printable race bib before race week and at-shirt post-race day. Your starting line starts where you choose, whether it’s a treadmill, bike, pool or neighborhood streets you choose how you complete the race distance of 1 mile to 5K.
Don’t forget the special Virtual Run Raffle, upload a photo of you virtual running, walking, biking, etc. for the Marian House 5k, tag Marian House and use #MHVirtualRace to be entered in the virtual run drawing for a chance to $50 Amazon Gift Card. The Virtual Run raffle entry ends at the end of race day 11:59pm on September 28th. The winner will be announced Monday September 30th at 12:00pm.
Sample Virtual Run bib below – Register today and get your bib emailed to you!