December 2024 Newsletter

Dear friends,



This holiday season, we’re reflecting on the incredible transformations happening at My Sister’s Place. We’re building pathways to self-sufficiency, hope, and resilience for the survivors we serve. Here’s what we’ve been up to this month!

Extending a Warm Welcome to our Financial Empowerment Lead

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Saul Vasquez, our new Financial Empowerment Lead! Saul brings a wealth of expertise in financial literacy and has begun launching our Financial Education program based on client feedback and needs. Topics covered include personalized 1:1 credit counseling, budgeting workshops, and small group cohorts focused on building financial skills and independence. Survivors work on strategies to overcome challenges— including repairing credit scores and addressing barriers to safe housing. The Financial Education Program works hand in hand with our Workforce Development Program and cash assistance programs to provide survivors with the tools and resources for long-term self-sufficiency. Look out for future updates on the monthly workshops and a growing library of resources coming soon!

Empowering Survivors Through Workshops and Classes

Over the last couple months, MSP hosted a variety of engaging workshops and classes to empower our clients to navigate the holiday season with confidence.



Topics included: 

⋆ Managing finances during the holidays (offered in English and Spanish) 

⋆ Effective Interpersonal Communication 

⋆ What to know about filing your taxes as a survivor  

⋆ Peer Empowerment Groups, providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors 

⋆ Coping with Grief and Loss around the Holidays

These classes are part of MSP’s recurring Life Skills workshops, our monthly Workforce Development Workshops, new Financial Education trainings, and client-centered Peer Empowerment Groups. MSP staff members create curriculum and partner with outside organizations to provide clients with knowledge, resources, and connections. During Peer Empowerment Groups, clients co-facilitate sessions to foster community and share supports with each other. Overall, MSP has provided over 30 opportunities in the past year for clients to learn, share, and find support.

Navigating Grief During the Holiday Season

“Make the holidays something new for yourself. You can have new traditions with yourself or new chosen family.”

The holidays can be a challenging time for survivors, where grief and hope intersect.

In our latest blog post, we explore strategies for healing in the holiday season—such as setting boundaries, creating new traditions, and finding strength in support systems.

MSP Advocate Leise shared, “It’s important to let unwanted feelings out... all feelings are okay; it’s about how you let them out and what you do with them.”

For those reclaiming their lives, the holidays don’t have to reflect the past—they can be a celebration of healing and hope for the future. Visit our blog for more insights. 

Celebrating the Holidays Together

“I'm incredibly proud to call MSP my workplace, knowing the organization creates real, tangible impacts on those in need. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and lasting change in the lives of the survivors we serve." 

- Ricardo, MSP Staff Member

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you for your continued support of our transformative work. Together, we are building a foundation of hope, empowerment, and resilience for survivors. From all of us at My Sister’s Place, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year. 

The My Sister’s Place Team 

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