For 23 years, My Sister’s Place shelter has offered hope to those who need a place to heal and to be showered with God’s love. For those who are houseless, it offers much. Women and children find an avenue to regroup and transition into a healthy and safe lifestyle.
It is a place to restart, restore, and revive. Single women and mothers with children are given a chance to make a better life for their children and themselves.
History
Marty Owens founder of My Sister’s Place, opened it in 2000. Her dream was to open a nurturing home, transportation assistance, nutritious meals, and other necessities for single women and mothers with children. While there, they are provided the tools and resources to help them to be in a better position when they leave than when they arrive.
Over the past year, they have housed 51 women and their children but, unfortunately, have had to turn away 624. The usual stay is 3 months to 6 months. It is solely a home for women and their children.
“I hadn’t been working but a few weeks when a single mom came dancing through the office, her arms lifted high, screaming, ‘I got the job! I did it! I got the job!’ It excited me to be a part of something so much bigger than I could ever imagine,” Angie Brooks, Development Coordinator, talked about the extraordinary feeling of working in this environment.
Christmas donations
The office is filled with wrapped gifts and the anticipation of Christmas morning is mounting. “So many people have helped to make this Christmas memorable for our residence,” Brooks added. Many people adopt one of the families at the residence to ensure each person receives gifts.
Recently, Falcon Football player, Demone Harris, spent the day shopping with resident children at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Gainesville. “He took ten of our children shopping,” Brooks explained. “It meant the world to these families.”
On the day Brooks spoke with Now Habersham, the excitement encircled. It was a moving-out day for one of the residents and everyone was a buzz helping. Many donations had been made such as comforters, kitchen items, towels – things to make a home.
“So many of us do not realize but the server for your table at the restaurant or the receptionist at your dentist’s office could easily be living in her car with several children, trying to save, trying to find a better life,” Brooks commented.
Volunteers
There is always a need for volunteers. Luane Thomson is the Volunteer Coordinator. “We need help answering the phone, working in the Resale Boutique, and so many other ways,” Brooks informed. “Just sorting through all the donations for the Boutique or essentials for a new home or wrapping Christmas gifts can be overwhelming.”
Executive Director, Jennifer Bero, has been with My Sister’s Place for over two years. Under her guidance, the house currently has 13 beds and can accommodate 13 to 17 women and children.
Fundraiser
The Annual Gala and Silent Auction is January 23, 2024, at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville, Georgia. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. It is an evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate the work being done by My Sister’s Place to restore those who find themselves homeless.
If you are interested in attending and helping this incredible organization, visit the website at my-sisters-place.org/events
The support of the community helps to create sanctuary and healing for women and children, providing not just shelter but also educational and employment support for their families.
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