“Service isn’t just about what we give—it’s about the connections we create.”
On the evening of July 28, 2026, the spirit of compassion was on full display as leaders of Table of Givers (TOG) gathered at City of Refuge to spend time with the remarkable women of House of Cherith. This residential program provides safe housing and comprehensive supportive services for women recovering from the trauma of sexual exploitation.
House of Cherith is more than a place to live; it is a place where healing begins. Through individual and group therapy, residents receive support in areas such as grief and loss, anger management, conflict resolution, relapse prevention, coping skills, trigger identification, and emotional wellness. It is a community built on restoration, hope, and new beginnings.
TOG members arrived with more than donations—they came with open hearts. Together, we gifted over 50 books, multiple sets of acrylic paint markers, and seven autographed copies of Igniting Change. The home’s common area was transformed into a warm and inviting gathering space, where fresh flowers adorned the tables and colorful markers awaited hands eager to create.
Each resident selected a book that spoke to their heart before designing a personalized bookmark to accompany it. Some filled their bookmarks with vibrant colors, while others chose to write encouraging affirmations, favorite scriptures, or heartfelt messages they could return to whenever they needed a reminder of their strength.
As smooth R&B and contemporary jazz played softly in the background, something beautiful unfolded. Conversations replaced silence. Laughter echoed through the room. Stories were shared. Encouragement was exchanged. Women who had never met before discovered common ground through creativity, conversation, and simple acts of kindness.
The evening reminded us that healing often happens in the smallest moments—a shared smile, a listening ear, a handwritten scripture, or the gift of a good book. While the bookmarks will forever mark pages, the memories created that night will forever mark hearts.
At Table of Givers, we believe philanthropy is about more than meeting a need; it’s about building relationships and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Sometimes the most meaningful impact isn’t measured by the number of items donated, but by the hope shared, the conversations had, and the lives touched.
On July 28, we didn’t simply volunteer.
We showed up. We listened. We encouraged. We connected.
And together, we helped write another chapter of hope.
Written by:
Jackie Goode
