On Sunday Feb 24th a group of St. Rita’s Circle families from St Mary’s Parish in Lake Forest headed to Jump America Trampoline Park in Gurnee to “Jump for Peace”!
Participants paid $20 to jump and flip for 2 hours, and Jump America gave 50% of the cost back to the House of Peace. This was part of Jump America’s “Jump for Bucks” program helping local charities raise money and have lots of fun while doing it!! The Event raised $190 to use toward an Easter Celebration for the families at the House of Peace.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the House of Peace!!!
I am so happy to share this update about LIFE AT THE HOUSE .
THE HOUSE OF PEACE IS EVERY BIT AS AMAZING AS WE HAD HOPED !!! The feeling at the House is one of Hope ,Energy and Healing. Christmas featured a tree(donated by a local family) decorated with ornaments made by the shelter families. Volunteers organized an intimate evening of caroling at the House. The moms and kids constructed whimsical gingerbread houses which they lovingly displayed alongside the shelter Crèche. On Christmas morning ,the families awoke to individual gifts under the tree(donated by the employees of a local LF business). The generous gift of a digital camera has allowed special moments to be captured which will be gathered into an album for the families when they depart.
Our visits in January find the kids happy, trusting and enjoying each other like one big, extended family!!! (10 kids total) . The oldest child, told one volunteer “It’s so nice here..You should come and live with us!” I can think of no better line that illustrates, so sweetly …that the House provides a secure and nurturing environment that allows the families a chance to breathe again!!
The 2 oldest children attend school all day. Generous scholarships allow 2 of our little ones to attend all-day preschool !!!! Younger children are cared for by their moms at the House.
The 6 women participate in group and individual counseling. Trained volunteers and pro bono lawyers support the women with legal issues . Attention is paid to nurturing the self esteem of the ladies and empowering them to ‘ take charge ‘. The ladies keep the House as neat as a pin and share daily cooking responsibilities. Yummy aromas are always in the air and we have been treated to some amazing food and beverages !!
The women participate in art therapy and a knitting ministry. ESL classes are attended. Moms and kids are involved in an In –House reading program 2 evenings a week.
There is a palpable feeling of community among the women. Several of them have begun to make “post-House” plans together. These families have indeed been strengthened by the love and support of people who have come to their aid in time of upheaval.
Thank you for your help and prayers for those most in need. May you know the blessings of God’s boundless Love for us, today and everyday Peace
