Family Support Under the Sea

Safe, stable housing makes room for joy for the moms and kids of Marguerite's Place, which offers transitional residences for women on their path from crisis to independence.

A safe, stable sisterhood also makes room for joy for these women...made only better by the savory aroma of empanadas and a surprise Under the Sea theme that awed and delighted at Family Support Night, which I had the joy of facilitating there last week.

Family support night is a monthly gathering where the moms of Marguerite's come together for a no pressure, all peers evening dedicated (and decorated!) just for them. On that front, kudos goes to Community Programs Coordinator, Katelynn Karugu, the Creativity Queen, for a most inviting space!

Surrounded by sea turtle shadows, clown fish tea lights, and a massive paperchain octopus hung above our heads, I posed to the group a few gentle starter prompts then let them lead the way, dipping their toes in and discussing whatever was in their hearts and minds.

Some celebrated new jobs, their faces illuminated with the feeling of being in the flow--it was hard not to think of Dory, Marlin and Crush riding the East Australian Current, to which we laughed.

Some felt the weight of the ocean on their shoulders, with parenting and every day stresses, let alone court systems, relationships, housing decisions and more.

All left supported and lighter, buoyed by a sisterhood of shared experience, genuine connection, sincere advice and best practices. Buoyed also by their own strengths. When asked what qualities kept them above water, there was no hesitation--determination, perseverance, surrender.

Resilience--it was a treasure found amongst the pipe cleaner reefs and the residents of Marguerite's Place that night.

Also, I think the sea creature lollipops helped just a little. :)