2022 for MARKED was a year focused on play.
The importance of play for both children and adults alike. In February of this year we soft launched the opening of “Casa MARKED” with our official launch in April with the Miller’s, local staff as well as government officials holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on Kid’s Day after many weeks of demolition and the remodeling of our beautiful new space.
Throughout the year our staff has been training in different methods of play and education. Learning new skills and tools, to offer a safe refuge for anyone who enters our home. Hosting a semi-weekly class for around 30 new moms with children ranging from 0-3 years of age. But what is so fun is that we also have multiple grandparents who are in their late 70s coming regularly to play and share a meal together, who continue to remind us that walking through our doors was the first and only time they had ever felt safe in their entire lives. Of course every age in between also joins in on the fun, as our largest group of kiddos range from 8-13 years old. Daily our home is buzzing with nearly 100 children who rotate through to play, learn, share a meal together and find refuge. This past fall, we installed the first “park” in the communities on the back side of our home for all to enjoy.
Our school lunch and sports programs serving over 500 children daily have continued to operate in the local schools and we are watching as the directors, teachers, coaches and parents alike are starting to dream with us on how we can continue to grow and improve together for the sake of the communities.
Multiple rescues have been successful this year, with those making the courageous decision to leave organized crime, and instead choose LIFE while pursuing full recovery. We have witnessed them draw a line in the sand for their futures and we could not be more proud.
This next year, we have a desire to grow our reach as well as our impact. For us depth over numbers will always be our top priority, but as our depth grows, transformation comes and neighboring communities are taking note. We have an ever growing waitlist of those desiring to be apart. As you pray with us and for us in 2023, would you also pray once again about your role in your partnership with us?
Thanks to the impact of your generosity, together we are 11 years in and building towards forever.
Cheers to a new year with endless possibilities,
Jaclyn and Micheal Miller, and the MARKED Family