2024 and What Lies Ahead

There is nothing like a graduation from the Reside Program. Naomi’s House started the year with our 16th graduation and by recognizing Jackie’s* accomplishments. Jackie came to us after being homeless and exploited for a decade throughout Chicago, but she also came to us ready to heal. Determined to never return to a life controlled by trafficking, Jackie embodies everything we hope for in survivors. By addressing childhood losses, sitting in the pain of her abuse, and embracing the hope of the gospel, Jackie slowly and beautifully experienced transformation. 

“The girl who walked in the door last year is not the same woman who is standing here today,” noted Breanna, the Clinical Manager of Reside and a champion for Jackie. Jackie also exemplifies our theme for 2024, inspired by the conversation between God and Moses recorded in Exodus 33. 

“If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Exodus 33:15

Our prayer is that the Lord would lead us through His Presence in the year ahead. Naomi’s House is the leading organization in the state serving survivors, and we face numerous questions about growth and program expansion. In reality, we could serve more women if our programs were not at capacity, so the temptation to grow rapidly is constant. How can we not grow when women and girls by the thousands are still trapped in exploitation and trafficked in our communities? 

But our discipline to hear from the Lord and go forward only with His Presence remains our cry. We also want the Lord’s Presence in our programs, leading our staff. We want more graduations and life transformations so that every woman who comes to Naomi’s House is different when she leaves. As Jackie demonstrates, when the Lord’s Presence is among us, healing is present...because he is our Healer.

Will you pray with us for the year ahead? Pray for the clear and undeniable Presence of the Lord in everything we do. Pray for expansion opportunities in Chicago and Elgin. Pray that our programs and staff will demonstrate the love of Jesus. And pray God would raise up prayer and financial support to serve 250 women this year!

“Naomi’s House gave me a reason to stand. Keep walking, like I did.” Jackie’s remarks at graduation greatly encouraged the other women in their own healing journey. Your prayers and financial support make it possible for every woman we serve to stand and walk forward with a renewed vision for life.

We praise God that one less woman is experiencing a life of sexual exploitation and trafficking, thanks to you. 

Seeking His Presence,
Simone
Executive Director