January 2006 Newsletter
Since September, Shanna Branciforte from Aquinas Institute of Theology has worked with Let's Start, helping take care of the participants' children during meetings and being available for public speaking training. Before leaving her ministry experience at Let's Start, Shanna wrote the following reflection.
“The image I have of doing theological reflection this semester is opening a door to a dark building covered with graffiti, and instead of finding a cold room covered with dust, finding a warm room full of light and community. As an outsider coming into work with a population I had never encountered before, ex-offenders, I expected there would be a lot of anger, frustration, and challenges among these women. I'm sure that exists, but my experience has been that these are faith-filled women, willing to share their struggles and joys, feeling blessed by God, and affirmed by one another. I feel that my faith has grown in God and humanity through the opportunity to witness the way the women approach life. With all life's ups and downs, they find blessings in everyday existence, and turn to God in their struggles.”
Let's Start also thanks Jennifer Powell for her time with Let's Start. Jennifer was a practicum student from St. Louis University, and helped with advocacy and various projects in the office. Thanks Jennifer!
The ladies of Let's Start had a chance to “get away from it all” during this year's Let's Start Retreat. This year's retreat was held in Ruma, Illinois on December 16-17. Briana Colton facilitated the retreat, and the women participated in a variety of activities, including: writing letters of courage, drawing pictures of hope, listing at least ten things they liked about themselves, and doing silent reading. The women also had some much needed free time, choosing to chat, shop at the craft shop, pray, or take a nice long nap. The retreat ended with singing by Briana and Winkie Tunstill, as well as sharing by all the members of the group. “Everyone had a chance to spend some time with their higher power, with themselves, and with each other, learning and listening, forgiving and getting insight and strength from each other,” said Briana. Additional Let's Start participants who attended include Sr. Jackie Toben, Daphne Anderson, Kathy Carter, Jackie Cooperwood, Joan Darcy, Betty Lewis, Barbara Malone, Carolyn McKinney, Felicia Moore, Rita Morrow, Loretta Moseley, Willene Norman, Lessie Street, and Charlene Terrell. Let's Start thanks Briana for facilitating, our drivers, and the Adorers at Ruma for hosting us! Stay tuned for details on our next retreat!
... to Monica Simmons, Co Director of Let's Start for being selected to participate in CORO Women in Leadership Class 47. Monica was selected from a field of 46 candidates. Only 16 women were selected. CORO is a leadership development training program for women leaders in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Sessions begin on January 5, 2006, and continue through May, 2006.
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Let's Start participants will attend the advocacy day in Jefferson City organized by Citizens for Missouri's Children. In addition to having a booth for display, the women of Let's Start will participate in workshops as well as the public action planned for the steps of the Capitol.
All the people whose generosity helped make our Christmas just a little bit brighter this year! You have truly made a difference in many people's lives. Special thanks to: St. Vincent's and all their collaborators; DeBourgh High School; Ascension Parish in Chesterfield; Boy Scout Pack 95; and the many individual men and women who made financial contributions. Thanks and Happy New Year!
- Group sessions every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
- Tues. Jan. 2 - Group facilitated by Cecelia Key - Hostess: Joan Darcy
- Tues. Jan. 9 - Group facilitated by Felicia Moore - Hostess: Willene Norman
- Tues. Jan. 17 - Group facilitated by Patricia Dean - Hostess: Charlene Turrell
- Tues. Jan. 24 - Group facilitated by Shirley Lester - Hostess: Carolyn McKinney
- Tues. Jan. 31 - Group facilitated by Barbara Malone - Hostess: Barbara Jordan
YOUTH GROUP - every Tuesday at 6:30 facilitated by Darolyn Cunningham
CAREGIVERS GROUP - Wed. Jan. 11 at 10:00 - facilitated by Daphne Anderson
STORIES OF HOPE:
- Wed. Jan. 11 - 12:00 at St. Louis University School of Social Work
- Fri. Jan. 20 - 10:15 at Trinity High School
- TALKS: Thurs. Jan. 12 - 7:00 at College Church
“Year's end is neither an end or a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” - Hal Borland
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