At this time of year, we often get to experience dark clouds giving way to sun. We feel the warmth on our arms and cheeks. We see that beautiful “God light” effect when sunrays shoot from behind billowy clouds.
At one year into our work, Journey to Bethany is experiencing something similar. With each conversation, experience, and gathering, we create a clearer vision of how to help those harmed by clergy sexual abuse in their healing journey. The “How do we do this?” of 2021 is being replaced by outreach and activities that resonate with survivors and the entire community. For example, we’ve discovered a wonderful resource for training in trauma-informed care and are making plans to offer it this fall. We now host a monthly survivor support gathering which creates a safe environment for sharing and teaches about tools to help foster peace, hope and healing. Community Conversations continue quarterly and help us gather ideas and spark energy.
This spring, our board of directors drafted a plan for the next three years that guides us to develop a portfolio of services that can be adjusted based on survivor needs. The plan also calls for growing our staff, increasing our capacity to build trust survivor by survivor so that we can extend personal invitations to utilize services. We are also asking for help from people talented in digital communication, corporate legal work, and fundraising.
Excitement and confidence are building as we connect the conversations, resources, surveys, visioning, prayer, and learning from the past year. Thank you for all you have shared with us. Your participation has provided the rays of light that bring a clearer vision for the future.
