"It's a happy place. You see kids laughing, jumping, running – just being. You learn how resilient they are."
(staff person)

Dear Friends,

The season of Advent is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ; a time of anticipation, hope and expectation in the coming of the Kingdom of God. As I reflected upon the coming of this very special time in the church calendar I couldn't help but think of Wilmer Hall; not a season, of course, but a place; a place of anticipation, hope and expectation. Our children come to us from deplorable conditions feeling abandoned and neglected but soon find a sense of peace, hope and expectation for their young lives.

Dee and her younger sister were referred to us through their school counselor. Homeless, living night to night with one of their mother's many boyfriends, Dee would lock herself and her little sister in a room and try to stay awake all night to protect them from strangers. After coming to Wilmer Hall, Dee attended classes, studied hard and earned her GED. During this time, she also worked part time for a local non profit agency and was recently offered a full time job with the agency. Dee has become a beloved member of the Wilmer Hall family, helping with our younger children and serving as a role model for all of the children. She has shown them that they, too, can rise above their prior circumstances and, with the love and support given at Wilmer Hall, exceed all of their expectations.

Dee's story of hope is only one of many at Wilmer Hall. Recently I informed you of our renewed commitment to Wilmer Hall's mission and our decision to sever our contracts with the state. I also gave you an update on our children. Our children continue to thrive. They have made a remarkable transition into the public schools both socially and academically. Two of our boys have been playing football for Murphy and hope to play basketball. This experience is important to these young men, not only because they enjoy playing, but also because of the lessons they are learning in terms of discipline, time management and being part of a team. The boys and girls attended their first Homecoming Dance and had a great time! The girls were thrilled to have new dresses for the dance. We now have two young students at Davidson High School (both of whom have almost perfect 4.0 averages), two new students at Mary B. Austin, one middle school child and a few pre-school age children. At our recent Halloween party it was a joy to watch the children of all ages dressed in costumes laughing, playing and dancing together. In addition to all of these activities we recently completed the renovation of Mountford Cottage and the boys moved in on October 16th. Because we no longer receive state funds your support is vital to our continued development and growth.

During this Advent Season let us all take time to reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed on us and reach out and beyond ourselves into the lives of children in need. For the past 145 years Wilmer Hall has been a place of hope for children and with your continued generosity and support that tradition will continue for many years to come. With warmest personal regards to all of you for a blessed Advent and Christmas Season,
I am,

Faithfully yours,

Sally Greene Executive Director