31 Dec Merry Christmas!
A note from Allison Melangton.
Dear friend,
Merry Christmas Eve!
What’s your favorite Indianapolis Christmas tradition? I love the lights. Our city has the most beautiful displays, like those at Circle of Lights, Winter Lights at Newfields, Christmas at the Zoo–and of course, Lights at the Brickyard! I love the transformation of our familiar landmarks, getting to revisit them with wonder and awe.
Since coming on as the Building for Change Campaign Chair, Christmas has become all the more meaningful. I’ve long treasured the season, celebrating the hope we have through Christ’s birth. But now, the season’s promise is even more precious. Each and every time I visit the Center for Women & Children, I meet incredible people–women and children–with stories of pain, hurt, regret, and fear. But their stories don’t end there!
The Center for Women & Children, the reason we’ve all come together, is a place that points right to hope and life! For the thousands of homeless women and children that come each year, they’re first met with help and care: warm beds, nutritious meals, and safety. After their physical needs are met, they can catch their breath and explore long-term programming options. Through classes, healthy relationships, connections to resources, and the transforming love of Jesus, true hope is realized. And isn’t that what Christmas is really about?
Wheeler’s Center for Women & Children embodies hope, renewal, and transformation–all things Jesus came to bring that very first Christmas. This holiday season, I have so much joy as I think of each guest that now knows this for themselves. Just like seeing an incredible light display for the first time, their eyes and hearts are filled with awestruck wonder at the miracle of Christmas.
Thank you for your generosity, for coming alongside us as we work to expand this incredible place. Please continue to pray for the guests and staff and the Center; miracles are happening each and every day.
With heartfelt thanks,
Allison Melangton
Building for Change
Campaign Chair