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November, 2007 Dear Friend of Spirit House, Once again it is fall! It is difficult to believe that 12 months have passed since our last letter to you! It has been a busy, challenging, and satisfying year at Spirit House and we are happy to take the time to share events and memories with each of you. We want you to know how appreciative we are of your financial support, volunteer efforts, and prayers. Each of these gifts makes a profound difference in the lives of our residents, and in turn helps them to affect the lives of countless others through their ministries. We wish that each of you could see directly the fruits of your gifts, but as this is not possible, we will share with you a few "snapshots" that reflect how you enrich our program. Throughout the year, members of the Resource and Development Committee have been researching ways to better educate religious communities about the mission of Spirit House. We are now in the final stages of updating our web site and we are beginning an outreach effort to non-Catholic religious communities. Our hope is to one day welcome women from many Christian traditions, recognizing that within diversity lie common struggles and challenges. In addition, R&D has established links to numerous tithing committees in the diocese, and arranged for articles on Spirit House to be published in the Democrat and Chronicle and the Catholic Courier. In mid winter we were pleased to begin a bimonthly poetry group led by local poet, Jane Shuster. Jane's creativity, humor, and empathy help to open the magic of words to our women, providing them with another important path for the inner journey. Jane's gift of her time and talent come from her heart, and her sessions are always eagerly anticipated. In May, Spirit House hosted 16 men and women from Delphi for the annual Day of Caring. Together with residents, staff and board members, numerous maintenance projects were completed to assure that our house and grounds remain beautiful and safe. We were deeply touched by the enthusiasm and sincerity of the Delphi employees, feeling as blessed by their presence as by their practical assistance. In the past year, donations have helped to defray the cost of items as diverse as updating our library, educational outreach, and tree trimming. We have established a small scholarship fund, to be used at the discretion of the executive director. This stipend will help make Spirit House a reality for sisters in need who may come from small, poor congregations. It opens our door a bit wider, and for that we are most grateful. In September Mary Ann Ayers, our Executive Director, and Mollie Brown, our foundress, traveled to Cincinnati for the annual meeting of the International Conference of Consulting and Residential Services. There they were able to meet and talk with leadership teams of numerous congregations. In addition they were reminded of Spirit House's unique role as the only remaining preventive mental health program of its kind. As such, we are a vital link in the chain of care, providing early intervention as well as transitional care for sisters needing an interim step between hospitalization and return to community. We hope that you will consider a donation to Spirit House once again this year. Mother Teresa once said that loneliness is the greatest poverty. Without exception, this is a cross carried by every woman who comes to us. It may be carved from abuse, addictive behaviors, low self worth, or crisis in ministry; regardless, it is heavy and life draining. Your support helps bring hope and renewal to brave women willing to confront the dark places in their souls in order to reclaim their lives. Thank you for walking this journey with them. Sincerely, Roger J. Nally Chairman, Spirit House Board of Directors |
