Fourteen years ago this week The City Mission’s development
team was busy with last minute preparations for the Laura’s Home
groundbreaking. There was much reason
for celebration. Then came the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We considered postponing the event but
decided that it was important to move forward with a project that promised to
bring hope and healing to thousands of hurting women and children.
The day of the groundbreaking ceremony was the day the 9/11 flight
ban was lifted for Hopkins Airport. Laura’s Home sits directly under a landing
pattern for the airport. Hearing the
planes overhead during the ceremony was searing reminder of the deep and
painful wound our land was suffering.
Yet since that day thousands of women and children have
found refuge and hope at Laura’s Home.
In the last five years alone Laura’s Home has been provided nearly
220,000 nights of safe shelter to over 5,000 women and children.
Today and every day Laura’s Home is filled to capacity. Women
who have struggled through years of trauma, domestic violence, substance abuse
and poverty are finding healing and hope, along with practical support and
guidance. Children and teens who have suffered
the effects of chaos and upheaval in their families are cared for in a
nurturing environment that supports their developmental and academic progress.
Hearing the planes fly over Laura’s Home today, I’m reminded
once again of how important it is that we continue do all we can to overcome
evil with good, to offer practical help and genuine hope to those come through
our doors.
Thank you to all the donors, volunteers and other community
partners who stand with us in reaching hearts and changing lives!
