You ensure survivors are not alone. Thank you!
Not too long ago, one of our former residents was preparing to welcome twins. To celebrate this
milestone, our team hosted a baby shower for her. If you’ve been to a baby shower recently, you
know how many new gadgets and thoughtful items parents can receive—personalized
storybooks, cozy hammocks for shopping cart seats, sound machines to help little ones sleep.
As she opened each gift, our staff gently explained how to use them. It was a tender, beautiful
moment—because it was clear that we were her primary support system. She didn’t have family
to call on or friends to guide her through the excitement and uncertainty of becoming a mother of
twins. But she had us.
A few weeks later, she began to experience contractions and rushed to the hospital, thinking she
might be in early labor. While she was being evaluated, one of our staff members immediately
went to her apartment to care for her young son so he wouldn’t have to go with police while
emergency plans were activated. Other team members showed up at the hospital to sit by her
side. Thankfully, she was sent home on bed rest—but she left knowing one thing for certain:
when the moment came, she wouldn’t face it alone.
Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time under the best of circumstances. For women who are
pregnant and experiencing domestic violence, it can also be dangerous. Intimate partner violence
is the leading cause of serious injury and death to young women in the United States.
Over the years, we’ve supported many expectant mothers as they’ve taken courageous steps to
build safe, stable lives for themselves and their babies. This young mom’s story is just one
reminder of why that support matters so deeply.
Thank you for being a part of this young family’s story. And thank you for being the safety net
for hundreds of survivors like her desperately trying to build safety and stability for their own
families.
As you’re planning your year-end gifts, please remember Sheltering Wings and the families we
serve. There are some tax changes coming for 2026. If you have questions about ways to give or
non-cash gives, feel free to reach out to us and we can talk through options.
And, you’re hearing it here first. Thanks to a group of generous donors, we will match all gifts
on Giving Tuesday up to $25,000.
There’s so much going on – from celebrating new babies to celebrating generous partners
like you at the end of the year.
As we practice gratefulness during this month of Thanksgiving, know that I am grateful for you.
You make this work possible.
With gratitude,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
