Cookie's Retreat Center is in its fifth year of serving women and children of faith who are victims of abuse. Each month we receive touching letters from our previous clients. I thought I would share just a few with you here:
A year ago this month I was exploring, through a friend, the possibility of utilizing your facility for myself. It was a scary thought, but the benefits were more than I can adequately say. Several times I've wanted to contribute a small amount in a tangible way, especially when I heard you might have to close for lack of funds. It seemed that the $5 or $10 I could come up with wouldn't help you stay open or start up again. However, please find the enclosed check. I know it won't help you staff or run this vital ministry, but you will know I'm one of your "salvaged" graduates. Things are still a little rough at times, but I have more tools for coping, and I have experienced a validation, safety and caring that can never be taken away. I shudder to think where I might have ended up otherwise! Sometimes just remembering being at Cookie's Retreat Center helps me sleep at night. God bless you all!
—An Adventist pastor's wife
I was unpacking my boxes as I moved into my apartment this last week, and I came across the quilt I received when I was at Cookie's. I just sat down and wrapped up in it for a few minutes. It felt like a big warm, safe hug. Thank you so much for all you did for me!
—A 2006 client
Mother and children share a special moment together with their new comforters.
Every time a new family is welcomed to Cookie's Retreat, they are taken to the comforter closet where they are invited to choose a quilt. A staff member shares with them the warmth of the Holy Spirit and Comforter and tells them that their quilt can be a reminder of this constant protection to take with them when they leave.
