4th of July

Next week we will be celebrating Independence Day. Normally when we think of Independence Day we think of fireworks, cook outs and celebrating our country. Which of course are all synonymous with 4^th of July celebrations. Hope House will be beneficiaries of a tent this year so if you are in Lee’s Summit and celebrate with fireworks then please visit our tent! It's on Hwy 291 on the west side of the street, just south of Chipman.

During this time I also find myself reflecting on the work we do and the people that we serve. Holidays can be very special times with family and it can be challenging for people to celebrate holidays while they are living in shelter. It can be hard to gather the courage or the enthusiasm to celebrate when things all around feel difficult and sad. So we work hard to make the time special and help people create new traditions that they can enjoy after they leave our services. This can be hard at first but we so often see families celebrating and enjoying the holidays even as they struggle with feelings of sadness and feeling overwhelmed with life circumstances. The holidays can be an opportunity to start over and create new rather than focusing on what used to be and isn’t anymore. On this holiday I like to think about the clients own freedom and independence from their abusive pasts and the opportunity for the future free of violence.

Today I am thankful for the freedoms we have in this country, thankful for those who continue to fight for our freedoms and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their life for their country. I am also thankful for all who support Hope House and who assist us in helping those who do not have their independence—those who are not yet free of the violence. For those people we will continue to be here providing services and we will help however we are able. We look forward to the day that everyone is celebrating their freedom from a life of violence, until then we will continue to work to break the cycle of violence once and for all.

Happy 4^th of July everyone; please celebrate safely and thank you for keeping Hope House in your thoughts.