Resilience Is More Than a Name—It’s a Call to Action
Megan Hennessey, Executive Director for Resilience
At Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, our name isn’t just branding. It’s a promise.
We chose “Resilience” not simply because it sounded strong, but because it is strong. It represents the survivors we walk alongside every day. Those who keep going in the face of trauma. Who speak out, seek help, fight for justice, and choose healing again and again. Resilience is what we see in them—and what we commit to reflecting back as a community.
And we added Advocates for Ending Violence with purpose. Because we are not just responding to harm. We are working – together – to prevent it. To dismantle it. To create a world where safety, dignity, and justice aren’t radical ideas – they’re the norm.
As Executive Director of Resilience, I carry this promise every day. It’s more than a job title. It’s a responsibility. And it’s one I don’t shoulder alone. I get to witness the strength of our staff, our volunteers, our Survivor Advisory Council, and the incredible courage of every survivor who reaches out to us.
But right now, this mission is under threat.
Nearly half of our budget – 42% or $1.2 million – comes from federal funding that’s supported our work for decades. That funding hasn’t been cut yet, but the uncertainty is real, and deeply unsettling. We’re reading every update, advocating with lawmakers, and scenario planning with urgency.
Because you can’t run life-saving programs on maybes. You can’t serve survivors with crossed fingers.
And still amidst the uncertainty – our team continues. The survivors we serve continue to walk through our doors. Our volunteers, interns, and partners continue their meaningful work. Because this is what Resilience looks like.
It also looks like this: choosing joy. Choosing laughter. Choosing community. Even in hard times. Especially in hard times.
Advocacy doesn’t always look like a protest or a policy meeting. Sometimes, it looks like showing up. Choosing light. Giving anyway. Giving because you believe in what’s possible.
In light of the uncertainty, we ask you to consider giving a gift that will help us continue to provide life-changing services for survivors in our community.
Your support ensures that all survivors – especially those from historically marginalized communities – know they are not alone. That someone is advocating for them.
That Resilience is here to stay.
If you want to do more, let’s talk. Let’s imagine what’s possible. Let’s build something strong and lasting – together. Let’s turn heart into action.
Support Resilience. Be an advocate. Give today.
Make a donation online at www.ResilienceMI.org/Donate – checks made to Resilience can be mailed to or dropped off at Resilience: 411 Butternut Drive, Holland, MI 49424
Thank you for standing with survivors, believing in a safer future, and choosing resilience – again and again.
