Greetings!
It was 11 years ago this day that The Sophia Way opened it's doors to support women experiencing homelessness.
In the past 11 years we have had many challenges and achievements. This year, we celebrate many successes—
- Breaking ground on our 24/7/365 emergency shelter and day center in Kirkland
- Successfully housing 52 women
- Raising the most ever at our annual luncheon
- Receiving an extraordinary gift from the former Grace Lutheran Church to provide for essential programs and, most importantly, a financial cushion
However, the challenges have been tough. In the first nine months, we lost three of our cherished clients. In addition, we experienced staff turnover due to secondary trauma experienced by those committed individuals who work tirelessly to serve our women.
I was fortunate to visit the new shelter site this week to see the progress on our new building. Knowing this is the last winter that women will have to spend five hours out on the streets each afternoon and evening before the emergency shelter opens fills my heart with hope. And the thought that women will have access to a safe, warm environment, support services, mental health counseling and housing case management every day of the year thrills me to no end. It can’t happen soon enough…
During this season we are reminded of all that we have and those who have not. Please remember our women with your financial contribution to The Sophia Way to help us with our lifesaving work.
Sending you and your family warm holiday wishes,