If you fell short of your goals in 2026, you can begin again today.
“As the end of the year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the resolutions I made on January 1, 2026 — none of which I fully achieved. Life, as it often does, got in the way. The exercise equipment became a place to collect clothes, books were started but not finished, and the pounds I hoped to lose remained. Looking back, I recognize a common thread: Each resolution focused only on me. I overlooked the deeper call to care for my neighbors — to feed the hungry, comfort those who mourn, clothe those in need, and provide shelter to people without a home. When our goals are only about ourselves, they can fall short of what truly matters. The more important question is: What did I do for others? What did I do in 2026 to make a difference?”
If, like me, you fell short of your goals, you can begin again today. There’s no need to wait until January 1.
LifeWay Network provides transitional housing for women survivors of trafficking in its many forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking and forced marriage. Women ages 18 and older arrive at LifeWay’s door carrying fear and profound physical, emotional and spiritual trauma. LifeWay staff members meet each woman where she is and accompany her as healing begins.
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Her polished exterior belied the pain in her heart.
One young woman, referred by an emergency shelter, was 19 and needed a safe place after leaving “the life.” She arrived with impeccable makeup, long eyelashes, manicured nails and stylish clothes. Although she was neither hungry nor without clothing, she carried more pain and trauma than any 19-year-old should have to bear. She was a survivor — and, though she did not yet recognize it, she was resilient. At her first group meeting, residents were asked, “Why are you here?” She answered immediately that she needed a place to stay. In the silence that followed, tears began to fall as she shared part of her story. Behind the polished appearance was a vulnerable young woman who needed a safe, supportive environment in which to begin healing.
Healing returned color to her life.
LifeWay is also home to another young woman who arrived at age 18 after being trafficked across several states as an unaccompanied minor. Her story, though marked by trauma, demonstrates the healing that can take place at LifeWay. Quiet by nature, she often communicates through art, spending time in the basement at the art table drawing and painting. For a long time, her intricate pictures appeared in shades of gray and black, always accented with red: black trees with red leaves, dark backgrounds with red roses and thorns. With encouragement and support from LifeWay staff, she returned to school to pursue her GED, enrolled in an English as a Second Language program, and recently secured full-time employment. Through it all, she continued to paint. Recently, she invited me to the art table, where a new painting awaited: a vivid blue waterfall beneath a sunny sky, surrounded by green earth and colorful flowers beginning to bloom. A woman with long brown hair stood facing the waterfall. I remarked that the woman resembled her. She smiled and turned the painting over to reveal its title: “When the Water Learned My Name.”
There are many more stories of hope. Wednesday evenings at LifeWay are Community Nights, when staff members prepare dinner, share a meal with residents and lead a group activity. One Wednesday in July, the doorbell rang. Victoria, originally from the Ukraine, had completed LifeWay’s program and moved into her own apartment, and she was working full time. Remembering that Wednesday was Community Night, she arrived carrying a cake and asked whether she could celebrate her birthday with the people she had come to know as family. After entering the house, Victoria went downstairs to the art table — a place that had also provided comfort and safety during her time at LifeWay.
If you fell short of your goals in 2026, you can begin again today.
I am reaching out as part of LifeWay Network’s Year-End Appeal. LifeWay continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the women who come to us. The need remains great, and we continue to welcome, encourage and support each woman as she begins her journey toward healing. We could not do this work without you.
With gratitude for your support through the years, I invite you to make a year-end gift to LifeWay. If you fell short of your goals in 2026, a gift offers a meaningful way to begin again. If you achieved your personal resolutions, please consider extending your impact by helping a woman build a safe and hopeful future.
This year, your kindness made extraordinary things possible:
More than 1,370 nights for residents in our safe homes.
Over 4,000 nourishing, home-cooked meals prepared and shared with care.
28 education events and workshops delivered
Your generosity helps provide safe housing, compassionate support and opportunities for healing to women survivors of trafficking.
Please make your tax-deductible gift by December 31, 2026.
On behalf of the women we serve and the dedicated staff members who walk alongside them, thank you. I look forward to sharing more stories of healing, resilience and hope with you.
Thank you for your generosity.
Warmly, Mary