Restorations Newsletter
From
Hardship to Hope: A Resident's Journey of Restoration
This year has already been filled with so many encouraging reports from our residents. For example, one of our ladies was recently baptized. Another was reunited with her three sweet children. We know God is at work in their lives every day, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey to a better life. There are so many stories to tell, but one that especially touched our hearts is Terri’s story*.
Terri came to us having lost everything - all her material possessions and most of her relationships, due to substance abuse. When she moved into the shelter, she had been drug and alcohol free for more than 30 days and was laser-focused on rebuilding her life and securing permanent housing. She desperately wanted to be in a position to help care for her daughter and granddaughter who were also in a difficult situation.
Terri went through many struggles during her time with us, even telling us at times she didn’t think she could do it. But she did not give up! Our staff was there for her to offer the support and hope she needed to make it through every trial.
Embracing a New Season with Faith and Gratitude
Fall is finally here, and we are grateful for the change in seasons. This summer seemed like it was longer and hotter than ever before. For us at MSP, it was a season filled with excitement, as well as unexpected challenges. We saw God’s faithfulness through it all. He demonstrated time and time again that He is with us. We experienced His love through the generosity and support of so many people who came alongside this ministry to lift us up when we needed help. As you read this newsletter, we hope you will be encouraged and filled with hope in a God who always loves you.
After completing our 90-day program and living in our transitional housing for less than a year, she proudly attended her graduation ceremony for the Hall County H.E.L.P. program. Afterward, she told us, “I made some poor choices, but My Sister’s Place gave me a chance. You welcomed me in.” Terri eventually found the permanent, stable home she was searching for. She now lives in her new place surrounded by the love of her daughter and granddaughter in a perfect location close to work and school.
• Bath towels
• Face towels
• Twin Sheet Sets
• New standard bed pillows
• Leggings (all sizes)
• Snacks for kids (granola bars, chips, crackers, etc.)
• Paper towels
• Feminine protection products
• Gas cards (for transportation to work)
• Bottled water
Join us for our 25th Anniversary Gala featuring comedian Jeff Foxworthy on January 30, 2025 at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, and we would love to have your support! Scan QR code or contact Angie Brooks at ABrooks@my-sisters-place.org,
An Unexpected Crisis met with Community Support
In May, we had a line break in our kitchen that caused significant damage. The water not only damaged our kitchen and floors, but also one of the bedrooms downstairs. The remediation and remodeling project took about 2 months to complete.
During this time, our residents could not access the kitchen to prepare meals for themselves. We reached out to local restaurants for help, and the response was overwhelming. Meals came pouring in from places like Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, Culver's, El Sombrero Mex Cantina, The Honey Baked Ham Company, Jimmy John's, Mellow Mushroom, North Georgia BBQ & Oyster Shop, Papa Johns, and Shane's Rib Shack, just to name a few! By the end of June, everything was back to normal, only better! With new kitchen cabinets and new flooring throughout the shelter, our residents settled into a beautiful new environment in which to heal and grow.
We are especially grateful to America's Home Place for donating their services & assisting with contractors. Their partnership was a gift from God during such a difficult time. A very special thank you goes to one anonymous donor who generously covered all expenses not covered by insurance or in-kind contributions.
Extra-Special Mother’s Day
This year, our ladies were invited to a Mother’s Day dinner at Tin Cup Grill in Cumming, GA that was simply amazing! They were treated like queens as they feasted on the finest prime rib, salmon, shrimp cocktail and so much more! Thank you, Ainsley and the staff at Tin Cup Grill for making these moms feel so special!
New Bunk Beds will Expand Capacity
Thanks to a special grant from Asbury Chapel, MSP was able to purchase bunk beds!
If you would like a tour of My Sister’s Place to see our beautiful new space, please contact Angie Brooks, our Development Coordinator, at ABrooks@ my-sisters-place.org.
Just Launched!
My Sister's Place has a new website, redesigned to provide easier access to resources and information for our community. We hope this new site will better serve our partners, volunteers, and those in need.
We appreciate City Church Gainesville and Bear Cleaning and Sanitation for sending volunteers to set them up, and special thanks to an anonymous donor from Mattress Firm for giving us the mattresses!
Because of these amazing people, we will now be able to serve even MORE women and children experiencing homelessness.
Financial Literacy Training
Part of our 90-day program includes life skills training such as financial literacy. Special thanks to Bank of America for coming out to teach our residents the Economic Mobility lesson from Better Money Habits®! These lessons do a great job breaking down dayto-day money management concepts like saving, budgeting, credit, and more in an accessible way.
Need Prayer?
If you have a need, please stop by the boutique and put your request in our new prayer box. We have a team of prayer warriors ready to pray for you.
Generous Volunteers.
In June, we celebrated our volunteers with an Ice Cream Social. We had so much fun gathering at Lake Lanier with our staff, residents, and volunteers.
Thank You to our Community Partners.
From donation drives at Mars Wrigley, Frenchies Modern Nail Salon & Amazon P6A1, to a style party fundraiser at Evereve Avalon, we are always grateful to businesses in our community for helping us build awareness and support for the work we are doing.
Our ladies and kiddos had so much fun at the Memorial Day cookout with the folks from Young Families Life Class at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. They treated our residents to filet mignon, NY strips, hotdogs and so much more! Everyone enjoyed the delicious food, and especially the sweet fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are so grateful they chose My Sister’s Place for their “Love Shows Project.”
These lovely ladies have become Thursday morning “besties.” When you volunteer at My Sister’s Resale Boutique, you’re not just a volunteer… you’re family!
If you would like more information on how to become a volunteer, please contact Luane Thomson, our Volunteer Coordinator, at LThomson@my-sisters-place.org.
of Leadership
Thank you, Jennifer Bero, for three years of faithful service to our residents and staff. We are blessed to have you prayerfully guiding the work and mission of My Sister’s Place. We look forward to the continued impact of your leadership.
Wow! Not only did America's Home Place donate their services when our kitchen was damaged, they also did this! They have an amazing team of people who genuinely care about their community. Thank you, America’s Home Place. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.
A Precious Gift
This sweet young lady stopped by to donate to My Sister's Place from her personal piggy bank. She has a huge heart and is sharing it with the women and children we serve who have nowhere else to turn. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Become a Hope Hero and make a life-changing impact on women and children experiencing homelessness in our community. With your recurring monthly gift, you will immediately provide critical shelter, clothing, life skills training, and most importantly, a deeper understanding of the love and grace of God that brings Hope for a brighter future. Join us and be the Hero these women and children need to find a new beginning.
We are excited to share this new way you can support My Sister's Place.
Learn how you can become a Hope Hero.
Use the QR code or email us at info@my-sisters-place.org to subscribe and receive the latest updates from My Sister's Place.
• Pray: Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for our residents and staff.
• Give: Your gift of any amount makes a difference in the lives of the women and children served by My Sister’s Place.
• Share: Share this newsletter and the mission of My Sister’s Place with your church, neighbors, and co-workers. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ MSPGAINESVILLE
• Volunteer: From sorting donations to helping with building maintenance or answering phone calls, volunteers are an essential part of the MSP family.