In a world with many challenges, a single act of compassion can make all the difference. Our Christmas campaign theme for 2024, “This Little Light”, invites everyone to become that spark of hope by living out compassion and love. As we reflect on the blessings of the year that has past and look towards the year to come, let us not forget those who still struggle in silence and who need our compassion to find their way out of darkness.
Sarah’s Story of Hope
At just 15, Sarah has faced hardships that most of us can scarcely imagine. Her early years were a constant struggle to find a sense of safety, living in a home marked by substance abuse and domestic violence. Amidst the turmoil, she bore the pain of abuse by a close family member, who took advantage of her youth and trust, extinguishing the light within her. She was left feeling isolated, scared, and deeply scarred, without a safe place to turn.
When Sarah bravely confided in a teacher, her world changed. She was removed from her home and brought to The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Home. Yet safety alone couldn’t erase years of trauma. She struggled with overwhelming emotions, often lashing out or retreating in fear.
At Gracehaven, our compassionate team of social workers and psychologists worked patiently to create a space where Sarah could heal. Through individual counselling and group art therapy, she began to confront her painful past. These sessions helped her to make sense of her fears and grow healthy coping skills. They gave her both an outlet for her feelings and a sense of belonging with peers who had also faced hardship.
As Sarah’s healing journey progressed, her light began to shine again. She learned to trust, to connect, and to recognize her own inner strength.
While she still has uncertainties about her relationship with her family, Sarah now has hope. Her future is full of wonderful possibilities, and she is supported by the love and protection of her Gracehaven family. This Christmas, as we celebrate the season of light, let us remember those like Sarah who are still finding their way through the darkness.
WILL YOU HELP US SHOW CHILDREN LIKE SARAH THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS?
Your kindness and generosity can help rekindle their hope, providing a safe space where they can heal and dream of a brighter future. With your support, we can ensure that no one ever has to face their journey alone. May you and yours have a beautiful Christmas season, filled with laughter, fellowship and celebration, and lit by the light of love.
Artwork created by a beneficiary of The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Home.
重燃之光：莎拉的希望和故事
年仅 15 岁的莎拉所经历的艰辛是大多数人难以想象的。她早年生活在一个充斥着药物滥用和家庭暴力的家庭中，一直在努力寻找安全感。在动荡不安的生活中，她承受着被一位亲人虐待的痛苦，这位亲人利用了她的青春和信任，熄灭了她内心的光芒。她感到孤立、恐惧和深深的创伤，也没有一个安全的地方可以求助。
当莎拉勇敢地向一位老师倾诉时，她的世界改变了。她从家中被带走，来到了救世军的 Gracehaven 儿童院。然而，安全本身并不能抹去莎拉多年来的创伤。她在难以承受的情绪中挣扎，有时会情绪爆发或因恐惧而退缩。
在 Gracehaven 儿童院，我们的社工和心理医生团队耐心地为莎拉创造了一个疗愈的空间。通过一对一的辅导和小组艺术治疗，她开始正视自己痛苦的过去。这些治疗帮助她了解自己内心的恐惧，并且培养健康的应对技巧。这些治疗既给了她一个宣泄情感的渠道，也让她对周边同样面临困境的人有了同理。
随着莎拉康复之旅的进展，她的光芒开始重新闪耀。她学会了信任、沟通，并意识到自己的力量。
虽然她与家人的关系仍存在着未知数，但莎拉现在充满了希望。她的未来充满了美好的憧憬，她也拥有 Gracehaven 大家庭的关爱和保护。今年圣诞节，当我们欢庆季节时，让我们也记住那些像莎拉一样仍在黑暗中寻找出路的儿童们。
今年圣诞节，您愿意帮助和陪伴向像莎拉的孩子们吗?
您的善意和慷慨可以帮助他们重燃希望，为他们提供一个安全的空间，让他们可以治愈创伤，憧憬更美好的未来。有了您的支持，我们就能确保再也没有人需要独自面对人生旅途。愿您和您的家人度过一个充满欢声笑语、团聚和庆祝活动，并被爱之光照亮的美好圣诞节！