Month: November 2022

Continuing an annual tradition, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence visited Sanctum House once again. A virtual call via zoom was set up on January 25th for the Sanctum House residents to share their stories with Congresswoman Lawrence.

“I’m taking this extra time and effort to learn your story to know what your needs are and to be supportive,” says Congresswoman Lawrence.

Many residents came prepared with questions for the congresswoman, exploring the many issues some face, like expunging past criminal charges from the time of their trafficking or custody challenges in reuniting with their children and families.

The congresswoman has worked on behalf of Sanctum House for the past few years advocating for human trafficking survivors and the sanctuary that Sanctum House provides. Even more, she’s been adamant about creating task forces and groups of people to help her make a change. To achieve these goals, Congresswomen encourage the residents to tell their stories.

“We need testimonials…we need to have a hearing so I can educate my colleagues. Please be ready to participate in that” says Congresswoman Lawrence.

Looking forward to the continued partnership with Sanctum House, the congresswoman is committed to helping with fundraising to supply more resources and counseling among other things to help trafficking survivors and ensure the longevity of Sanctum House.

“I do want the house to expand because just think about how they can help more women like you that would give them the tools and that fresh page to start rewriting your life. That’s something I’m committed to” says Congresswoman Lawrence.

The half-hour event concluded with words of hope and wisdom.

“You are in Sanctum House because you need support and you need the help. And I want you to focus in and not allow the period of time to become a frustration. Just celebrate every box that you check and every day that you get stronger and stronger,” says Congresswoman Lawrence.

Embarking on her healing journey, Sanctum House resident, Dawn, receives a coloring book from her therapist to manage “all the feelings, all the fear, all the anxiety.” As Dawn coped and colored, volunteers and staff at Sanctum House took notice of her immense talent and gave her a proposition of a lifetime

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Dawn’s artwork would be featured and up for profit at Sanctum House’s Annual Charity event, Wings of Courage. Anxious about the perception and sales of her work, Dawn was shocked to be told all but 2 pieces were sold out ten minutes before the event started.

A volunteer working the table displaying Dawn’s work told her to remember this ‘life-changing’ moment.

“I thought about it, and it was already life-changing and not because of the artwork. Because when I reflected on that day, that was the first time I was ever comfortable in my own skin around a group of people, like strangers, and was just myself and was okay. I didn’t have all this chaos and self-consciousness and wondering if I was good enough” says Dawn.

This was the moment Dawn felt truly seen.

Since Wings of Courage, Dawn has been sharing her gift with others exploring her newfound passion watching how her gift touches them in ways she never imagined.

“To be able to see that kind of stuff is amazing because I’ve always helped others but would never look out for me. But now something I’m doing for me is also helping other people which was like a double blessing,” says Dawn.

Dawn continues to heal through her work, each piece contributing to her journey of healing and discovery at Sanctum House which she credits for saving her and giving her a life.

“God has a calling on my life and somehow arts playing into that that I didn’t expect. But in coming here had to been part of that, coming here to heal. And I believe I will be a part of this place,” says Dawn.

To request a commission from Dawn, email info@sanctumhouse.org

Exciting things happened at Sanctum House!

We’ve partnered with the University of Michigan-Flint to help our residents identify and develop their vocational interests. Assistant Professors Dr. Wendy Tremaine, Ph.D., OTRL, (pictured above) and Dr. Donna Case, Ph.D., OTL, along with their students from the Occupational Therapy and Clinical Doctoral Program, lead a 6-week program.

The program aimed to help the residents identify occupational interests and necessary training. A Leisure Skills checklist was developed to help the residents understand different outlets, hobbies, interests, and essential skills for living independently. Through the program, residents and students built a plan to prepare for training in these interests and laid the foundation for future growth and development.

“I feel like the women were so welcoming to the students and seemed genuinely excited to have us there,” Dr. Wendy Tremaine says, ”I’m just so grateful for them because it was such a positive experience for our students. To feel like people were excited to see them and work with them, and patient with them as they practice these skills. I’m really grateful.”

Due to covid safety precautions, the last session of the 6-week program was done virtually which was a bummer to Sanctum House and our friends at the University of Michigan-Flint. However, assistant professors Dr. Tremaine and Dr. Case plan to reunite with the residents and begin new programs in 2022.

“I enjoyed having U of M working here,” Sanctum House resident Bee says,” With the career training we did, I got confirmation on what I want to do in the future. I’m looking forward to seeing them in them again in the Spring.”