defendHERS,
It’s been a big (and busy) holiday season at Onehope Refuge.
We’ve gathered around tables. Passed the dishes. Held space for healing. Welcomed the laughter. Embraced the joy. We’ve leaned into everything this season is truly about!
The halls of Onehope Refuge feel fuller than ever — full of life, full of gratitude, and full of the quiet courage of the women and children who call this place home.
This Thanksgiving, children ran through the halls, laughter echoing from one room to the next. Women gathered in the kitchen, helping prepare a meal, sharing stories, and rediscovering what it feels like to be surrounded by support. When we all sat down together — staff, mentees, children, volunteers, it wasn’t just a meal, it was a moment of belonging. A reminder that healing happens around tables, in community, one shared experience at a time.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Preparing for Christmas at Onehope is more than decorating a home — it’s breaking chains, restoring something sacred, and opening the door to joy many of our families have never experienced before.
For our mentees, this season becomes a fresh beginning, a chance to show their children stability, celebration, and hope as they build new memories and new traditions rooted in truth:
Luke 2 — The Christmas Story:
The Savior of the world is born.
Our ONE HOPE is – and will always be – found in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His arrival is the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem mankind — the coming of the Savior who lived as fully God and fully man, the One who brings eternal life to all who believe.
This is the real gift of Christmas: the birth of the One who was prophesied centuries earlier in Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 9:6–7:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Because of Him, everything changed — yesterday, today, and forever.
This year is especially meaningful as one of our mentees will be celebrating Christmas for the very first time. Having grown up in the Jewish faith, she now follows Christ and is experiencing the wonder of the Messiah’s birth in a whole new way — not as a distant promise, but as her Savior. Watching her embrace this truth for herself has been a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness.
At Onehope Refuge, we cling to the HOPE of Christmas.
We pray unshakable foundations are being laid right now.
We pray generations are coming to know Him.
We pray our families will share their newfound faith and inspire others to meet the LORD this season. ❤️
A glimpse into what’s ahead:
God is growing this ministry in ways we could have never imagined.
Recently, a mentee has moved into Phase III, independent housing!
As we look toward the new year, we’re praying to expand our long-term care model and preparing to serve more women and children in a place where they can recover, grow, and flourish — and experience the restoring love of Christ.
We invite you to pray with us, share this mission, and continue walking alongside the women and children God brings through our doors. If you feel led to support Onehope Refuge this holiday season, your generosity directly strengthens the women and children building new lives here. Every gift makes a lasting difference.
With a merry heart,
Jill Kearney
Founder | Executive Director
jill@onehoperefuge.org | www.onehoperefuge.org
