Spring 2017
 
Greetings!

An Update from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

There is just so much to catch up on and be excited about!   We have moved into all new homes.  Mary's Shelter purchased our very first home and it is filled with beautiful women and children.  We also have been blessed to be partnering with MacDoc Property Management who are giving so generously to this ministry.  In addition, we have a new home on Caroline Street which gives shelter to four families and our boutique.  We have welcomed many new moms into these homes and have seen the sweet homecoming of the most gorgeous babies.   We have had an outpouring of amazing volunteers who have helped get these homes up and running, our donors and community have been extremely generous and our staff has given their all.  We have so much to look forward to this year -- exciting events and more BABIES (the best part of Mary's Shelter). We are blessed beyond words and thankful to each and every one of you who have donated, volunteered and prayed for this ministry.  Your dedication and love is always appreciated and needed.  Let's keep the doors open to keep saving these most precious lives.
 

God Bless,

Kathleen Wilson
Executive Director

 
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

 

OUR NEW HOMES AND OFFICE!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 
Some of Our New Babies!
 


 
We are all so in love with these sweet twins born in January!  Baby girl had to spend some time in the NICU, but she is doing well now.  Gorgeous babies, happy mama, ecstatic big sister.  All home, safe, happy and healthy.  The babies like to sleep together, touching each other -- so cozy!! The prayers were very much felt!


Another baby born into our Mary's Shelter home in February. We have so many little cuties! This bundle of adorableness came a bit early, but at 6 pounds, 4 ounces, he is doing great.  His mom is too!  Welcome to the world sweet boy!
Welcome to our newest Princess - born March 20 by C-section to her first- time mom. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces. She is, as very obvious, already a personality plus. Prayers for quick healing for her mama and for tons of snuggles for them both!

 
Resident Interview:  Chloe
 


Chloe is a Russian immigrant.  Her story is in her own words.
"Hi my name is Chloe. I am 38 years old.  I have 14 years old daughter Caroline,  13 years daughter Abigail and almost 8 month old son Aizeck. 
Was Sunday I was at a mall in Fairfax thinking of ways to kill my self. I couldn't let my baby live outside and not have roof over his head. When I got email from my long time ago coworker. I told him about what is going on with me and he gave me Mary Shelter's number. I called Miss Kathleen and month later I move to Fredericksburg.
Almost year ago I had no place to go or a job but I had son under my heart. All I was need is safe place and a chance to keep my son. I was need a chance to get back on my feet. Almost 2 years ago I was hopeless alcoholic who won't give up on a bottle. Today I am responsible mother who have a job, no alcohol or any law problems. I became better person I ever been. Miss Kathleen and house mother GAVE me hope to have my 2 daughters back in my life and I did. My life never been so happy and full of love. Thank to Mary Shelter I have life I always dream of.
My goals on a future to start my own business as a cook or home daycare. Get a house with my kids and start help women like me who lost hope and kids with addiction who been abused.
I want to give an advice to all women who get the blessing to get in Mary Shelter please,  please take the chance you got and use it to get better life for you and your unborn child cause this chance maybe only chance we got to be with our precious babies. One more thing please don't forget say "Thank you" to miss Kathleen and house mothers for what they're doing for us. I am grateful for what my son and I having today.  THANK YOU. TO ALL WHO ARE THERE FOR AIZECK AND ME." 
   
Volunteer Spotlight - Maddie Mueller
    

My name is Maddie Mueller and I am a senior at James Madison University. I am a Public Health Education major hoping to become a pediatric or OB/GYN Physician's Assistant. I am 21 years old and am graduating this May! I have a big year this year, as I am also getting married this summer and moving to Hawaii to be with my fiancé! Right now, I am doing my internship here at Mary's Shelter. I picked Mary's Shelter because I volunteered as a babysitter on Monday nights when I was in high school. I love helping children and taking care of babies so I wanted to further my wonderful experience. I wanted a pro-life organization that would teach me about running a nonprofit and a place to volunteer my time helping mothers and their babies. I hope to use everything I have learned at Mary's Shelter to open my own practice so I too can help mothers and children.
 
Our Volunteers are a very important, integral part of this ministry.  If you are interested in volunteering, or looking for information about volunteer opportunities, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].

Thank You!
Fredericksburg Fire Department
Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation
Holy Cross Academy
Lifepoint Church
MacDoc Property Management
Miller Painting
Project Linus
Rappahanock Electric Cooperative
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
St. Jude Catholic Church
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Matthew Catholic Church
St. Patrick Catholic Church
Virginia Properties, Inc.

Thank you also to our friends who conducted baby supply drives, helped prepare our new homes, and have given in so many other generous ways.  A special shout out to our Monday 
Night Madness babysitters and class leaders, our  Saturday Baby Celebration leaders, chefs and speakers, and our tireless doulas.
 We could not do this important work without you!  


Our community came together to help give our residents, and many past residents, a wonderful Christmas.  More than 100 people were helped through the generosity of the Fredericksburg Fire Department.  We're so thankful to Santa and all his elves for making Christmas so special for our moms and children!

Our Wish List!
 
If you would like to make a donation of material goods to Mary's Shelter, here is a list of our current needs: 
 
 
 
 
If you would like to host a baby shower or conduct a drive for us, please email Anne in the office at
Fulfill the Promise Campaign
Are you a part of the Mary's Shelter family? Our Fulfill the Promise campaign asks for just a small monthly donation. Could you commit to $20 a month to fund Mary's Shelter?  


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1601 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401