Greetings Friends,

We have some exciting news! And upon reflection, I realized it is deeply rooted in one of my favorite scriptural passages – the parable of the mustard seed. Remember, in Matthew 13, where Jesus references “the smallest of all the seeds” and then reminds us that “when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” For four years we have been blessed, through the grace of God and the generosity of those who support us, to grow like that mustard seed. We have had the privilege to welcome over 20 of those beautiful “birds of the air” and invite them to “nest on our beautiful branches.”

Well, through God’s grace we continue this growth! It is with such joy and gratitude that we share with you the news of the next chapter of this blessed journey. In the spirit of solidarity and with a desire to ensure that we serve as many women as possible, we are becoming a part of the Thrive for Life community! We are beyond excited that those in community at St. Bakhita House will now accompany highly committed and motivated women who want to continue their education post incarceration while living in a supportive living community. This of course folds in, yet expands, our current support of women survivors of sexual exploitation.

We want to assure you that St. Bakhita House will remain St. Bakhita House, and all donations that you have so generously bestowed upon us will likewise stay with St. Bakhita House. This change means that our women will receive increased opportunities for growth. An added benefit is that the Catholic Worker charism will not only remain at Bakhita House but will also expand to other Thrive for Life Network houses. Ultimately, it is clear that the Catholic Worker charism folds seamlessly into the Jesuit charism of finding God in all things, caring for the whole person (cura personalis), answering the call to solidarity, striving to realize and use our God-given gifts, allowing prayer to guide decisions and actions, and working for a faith-rooted justice. Going forward, after this transition, my new role will work on this spiritual expansion.

Currently, Joseph House in Milwaukee serves formerly incarcerated men through the Thrive for Life Network. St. Bakhita House will answer the pivotal call to serve women survivors and women who were formerly incarcerated. It is a tragic fact that these two worlds so often overlap. So, as we move forward, we are proud of this opportunity for St. Bakhita House to remain a Catholic presence in the Thrive for Life Network and continue to fill a tragic void that exists for women in need.

Please stay tuned for further updates and don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions. Please keep your eyes open for an invitation to a special event to celebrate this new chapter and to bless our gorgeous new Peace and Healing Garden!

Thank you for all your support. It has always been abundantly clear, that through God’s grace, YOU are the water and the sun to our mustard seed.

Love and prayers,

Anne
Executive Director and House Manager