To say 2023 has been a whirlwind of a year would be an understatement. Thanks to you and the corporate and the foundation support we received, it has been The Bernie House’s most successful year yet. On behalf of the staff of volunteers, myself, and the families we help day in and day out, we can’t thank you enough.

Although we are still short $14,000.00 of the goal we had hoped to raise by this year’s end, there is still a few days left that we might be able to close the gap. I’m very hopeful this will happen.

I heard this saying many years ago that I’ve never forgotten, “your life is not measured by the number of people you know but rather by the number of people whose lives you’ve actually touched.”

Every donor, every sponsor, every Ambassador, every friend, and supporter of The Bernie House can proudly know that they have touched and changed life for the better for more than 23 victims of domestic violence. In fact, through your support of Bernie House, you’ve not only touched lives – you have literally saved lives – and broken the cycle of the next generation of domestic violence in the children who’ve learned what a happy, loving home can be like. Many of our current and past families are the first in their family to attend college, the first to own a home, and the first to start and own their own businesses.

What an intangible, invaluable gift you have given each of the families who have had the privilege of living in one of our Bernie House homes.

Shelters just cannot do all that The Bernie House offers survivors and their families. The Bernie House is the missing link – the link that empowers them to achieve their highest potential. This is why our program is so important. And I am grateful every single day for your support and that you share our mission and vision.

I can’t help but worry that after the successful grant year we’ve had this year, we will not be able to find all the dollars needed to sustain and expand our program in 2023. Raising funds is never easy, especially with limited resources and staff.

Government officials and those who deal day in and day out with horrendous cases of domestic violence constantly ask The Bernie House to add another home to our program. Why? Because The Bernie House has over an 80% success rate of families moving on to lead successful, fulfilled lives. Not very many local non-profits can claim such a great track record.

But many don’t have the dedicated and committed volunteers and supporters we have at The Bernie House.

As we begin planning for 2023, it is always a challenge to know how much money we will have to work within the new year. And it is vital we hit the ground running in January.

This also becomes important because as I talk to and approach corporations and foundations requesting their financial support, they always ask how much community support we have for our programs. It has always helped that I have been able to share the generous financial support we get from friends like you. It DOES make a difference in their decision.

So, as you and your loved ones gather this holiday season, I hope that you will consider an extra special year-end tax-deductible donation to The Bernie House so that we can begin 2023 with a great start!

EVERY SINGLE DONATION – NO MATTER THE SIZE – is deeply appreciated and as you know, we will put your hard-earned dollars to work helping families escape the ugly cycle of domestic violence.

We give them a helping hand in their desperate time of need and give them the tools and aid they require to go from victims to survivors to thrivers and become conquerors. ALL THANKS TO YOU!

Thank you for making 2022 our best year to date, and I’m sincerely hoping I can count on your continued support in 2023! Wishing you and yours a new year filled with good health, happiness, and all the blessings the world offers.

Happy holidays,
Patti
Patricia H. Slaughter Founder