I belong to a group called Soroptomist International. The philosophy behind Soroptomist is to better the lives and welfare of women world wide. Locally my chapter is hosting a day of rest and relaxation for the women of the Father Ed Judy House. We are treating these women to lunch, massages, and a jewelry making class. We put together goody-bags for them containing everything from spa items to beautiful hand-made jewelry by local artist Annette Sapp of Che' Bella to a group of greeting cards provided by yours truly. Actually these may have been provided by you. Let me explain.
I ran short on time to put together the needed forty cards so I went through my stash of swaps from last year's SU! convention and pulled out those that I thought I could turn in to beautiful all-occasion or thank you cards. The women who live at this house are battered women of domestic violence. They are trying to get back on their feet. Many left their homes with just their clothes on their back and not much else. They spend their days trying to cope with the reality of the situation and trying to figure out what will occur in their futures. While the women whom live in this home must have an income, it may not be much. All of the women are mothers or are about to become a mother. So while some of the necessary items to survive are provided from the resources available to the Father Ed Judy House many things are not. I am not saying that the items we provided these ladies with today will help them in their day to day lives, but if it brings a smile and a bit of peace to their chaotic existence, then it was worth it. And so I say thank you to those whom may have provided me with the swaps to turn into a wonderful gift for a few woman who can use a little pick me up in their days. Thank you.