From Sonja Allen Mari, Executive Director
Spring has arrived in Alexandria, and with it, the energy of possibility that has always been at the heart of this work.
March was a month of doing. Our residents showed up for themselves and each other. Volunteers from across our community showed up too with encouragement, household essentials, and the quiet but powerful message that these women are seen and valued. That word “Seen” matters more than most people realize to women who have spent years feeling invisible.
It is no accident that “Seen” is the theme of this year’s Annual Art Show. When our residents create art, they are doing something profound: they are claiming their own story. They are saying, “I am more than what happened to me.” We invite you to come and witness that for yourself on April 22nd at the Principle Gallery from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. You can learn more and RSVP for this free event here – https://tinyurl.com/seenartshow
April is also our most important fundraising month of the year. On Wednesday, April 22, Guest House participates in Spring2ACTion — Alexandria’s community-wide giving day, now in its 16th year. Last year, nearly 8,000 donors came together to raise a record-breaking $3.1 million for Alexandria nonprofits. This year, we are asking our community to help us reach our Spring2ACTion goal so we can serve more women, expand our housing capacity, and deepen the health programming that makes lasting reentry possible. Early giving begins on April 8th.
What does a fresh start actually require? A bed. A case manager who knows your story. A community that believes in you before you believe in yourself. That is what Guest House provides — and that is what your support makes possible.
Thank you for standing with us this spring.