An Uncertain Year, an Unwavering Mission: A Message from the Executive Director
This has been a year unlike any other for Resilience—a year of incredible need and constant uncertainty. Across our sector, organizations like ours have spent enormous time and energy planning for possible funding cuts and shifting scenarios. The systems that fund and shape our work are changing, and long-standing funding sources have been reduced or restricted as the demand for services continues to grow. Uncertainty itself has become one of our greatest challenges. Yet through it all, our mission remains the same: to show up for all survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children.
Undoubtedly, the support of our community is what continues to make this work possible.
Investing in What Matters Most
If you were at our Blue Star Bash this fall, you may remember a story I told about a photo of me as a one-year-old sitting in an empty living room. I asked my mom where the furniture was, and she sighed and said, “We didn’t have furniture for the living room, but we had a speedboat.” It still makes me laugh, but it also reminds me that budgets reflect what we value. For my parents, it wasn’t about choosing a boat over a couch; it was about prioritizing being together as a family, enjoying life away from daily routines, and moments of rest.
At Resilience, our budget reflects our values. We invest in people. Our staff are our greatest resource, and the reason survivors can access safety, healing, and hope.
In 2024, we were able to accomplish so much together:
- 212 found safety in our housing programs
- 28,541 nights of safety were provided through our shelter and housing programs
- 868 survivors received advocacy services
- 62 survivors received medical care through our sexual assault exams
- 2,278 24/7 Help Line calls were answered
- 113 people began healing from trauma through therapy services
Behind those numbers are real people in our community: children sleeping safely for the first time, survivors standing up in court, and families rebuilding after violence.
Every day, our staff meet people in crisis and help them navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. That takes more than compassion. It takes deep expertise.
Your Generosity Provides Stability and Empowers Healing
Our community’s support invests in the people who make healing possible. Our advocates, therapists, and nurses walk alongside survivors every day, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and empowered at every step.
As we close the year, I invite you to reflect on your own values. If the work of Resilience is a cause that’s important to you, I ask you to please consider making a year-end gift to Resilience. You can donate online by clicking here, or we welcome donations to be sent to our Holland Program Office at 411 Butternut Dr., Holland, MI 49424.
When the future is uncertain, community is our constant. Your generosity keeps Resilience strong and survivors in our community safe.
With gratitude,
Megan Hennessey, LMSW
Executive Director
