Sometimes, on the hardest days, kindness shows up right when it’s needed most.
Last month, our volunteers, staff and clients arrived at CRC to discover our front tree wrapped in a handmade knitted quilt, a beautiful “tree hug” stitched together by anonymous neighbors. Words can only begin to describe the gratitude and encouragement we felt. It was a tangible reminder that this community cares deeply.
When someone comes to CRC for help, it’s usually a rough day. They may be hungry, facing the loss of their home or dealing with domestic violence. And for our staff and volunteers who walk alongside them, those can be heavy days too. That’s why this act of kindness meant so much.
As I shared in our video, I have blankets made by my mom and sister, and those are what I reach for when I need comfort. The tree wrap said what words can’t: a community hug in the form of a quilt reminds people that hope and healing are possible. It was a picture of wraparound care, a community making sure no one faces violence, hunger or homelessness alone.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s turn that image into action. I invite you to join us this month and all year:
- Stand with survivors.
- Invest in prevention.
- Be part of building a community where everyone can live with dignity.
At CRC, we see every day that safety, housing and dignity are deeply connected. Survivors can’t heal without stable homes and prevention takes all of us: neighbors, schools, businesses and local leaders.
The quilt around our tree represented exactly that: a community standing together to offer comfort, protection and compassion. We’ve since taken down the blanket to protect it, and we’ll display it as a lasting symbol of the warmth and hope that surrounds our mission.
Thank you for being the caring community that wraps CRC and our neighbors in warmth and hope.
