From Sonja Allen Mari, Executive Director
As we wrap up 2025 and move through the first months of the new year, we’re feeling incredibly grateful.
December was filled with celebration, holiday parties, thoughtful gifts, shared meals, and lots of laughter. These moments matter. They remind the women in our programs that they are supported, valued, and not alone as they do the hard work of rebuilding their lives.
January brought snow (and more snow!), but it also brought cozy days at home. There were warm meals, movie nights, conversations around the kitchen table, and time to simply breathe. For many of the women we serve, having a safe place to relax and just be is something they haven’t experienced in a long time.
In February, we celebrated Galentine’s Day, a joyful afternoon of connection, self-care, music, and plenty of fun. It was a beautiful reminder that sisterhood and community are powerful parts of healing and recovery.
We couldn’t do any of this without our amazing community. A heartfelt thank you to Immanuel Presbyterian Church for generous holiday gifts, Maureen Clyne and friends for the beloved annual pajama donation, Rob Shane and others who helped dig us out of the snow, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for faithfully providing dinners, Revolt Inc. at Howard University for helping make Galentine’s Day so special, and so many more who worked to make the past few months special for the women of Guest House.
To our staff and volunteers: thank you for showing up every day with compassion, patience, and dedication.
And to our residents: we are so proud of your strength and hard work. You inspire us more than you know.
Thank you for being part of the Guest House community. We’re so grateful to walk this journey together.