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Celebrating Growth & Purpose: S.H.A.P.E. Class Graduation

April 19, 2025 | Orlando, FL

Today, we celebrate YOU—our incredible graduates of the S.H.A.P.E. class! You have taken bold steps toward healing, growth, and purpose, and we couldn’t be prouder. Through faith, community, and courage, you’ve embraced your unique journey and unraveled the knots of the past to step into a future filled with hope.

This is just the beginning! Keep shining, keep growing, and know that you are never alone. Congratulations on this milestone—we can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you!

Photo Above: Smiles, joy, and a sense of accomplishment filled the room as we celebrated our S.H.A.P.E. class graduates! Pictured from left to right are Rebecca, Nina, Zuleika, Julissa, Mirthia, and Ivette—each one beaming after 14 weeks of growth and discovery. Standing with them is our wonderful teacher, Ahisha, who led the journey with heart and purpose.

On the Right: We’re incredibly thankful for our amazing teaching helpers—Rebecca, Lydia, Lissette, Doreen, and Niurkia (not pictured)—who each brought their own spark and wisdom to the S.H.A.P.E. journey! A special nod to Rebecca, who returned to complete the class and even taught a session this year!

One of the best things about our S.H.A.P.E. class is that it’s held online via Zoom—bringing together students from all over, no matter the distance! It’s a beautiful way to connect across miles, though it also means that some of our amazing graduates couldn’t be with us in person today. Still, their presence was felt and their achievement celebrated just the same!

Hearts Full, Spirits Lifted: A Beautiful Retreat to Remember

A heartfelt thank you to All Souls Anglican Church in Jacksonville for hosting such a deeply meaningful Women’s Retreat this past Saturday, March 29, 2025. From the beautifully designed agenda and handouts to the delicious luncheon and seamless logistics, every detail reflected care, creativity, and God’s love.

We’re also incredibly grateful for the leadership and presence of our Jacksonville Mending The Scarred team—Group Leader Lisa O’Connell and Co-Leads Cynthia Perry and Bonne Evans—who continue to pour so much into this ministry. We also extend our warm thanks for the participation and presence of our Orlando chapters—both the English and the Spanish teams and the Casselberry team—for their joyful participation and meaningful presence at the retreat.

It was a day of connection, renewal, and encouragement that we won’t soon forget!

Healing Through Releasing: Mending the Scarred Ladies' Retreat

March 29, 2025 | Jacksonville, FL

This past Saturday, the women of Mending the Scarred gathered at All Souls Anglican Church for a day of worship, fellowship, and powerful revelations. The "Healing Through Releasing" retreat was a sacred time to explore the challenges of asking for help, learn how to communicate our needs, and release fear and pride—allowing God to heal the wounds of every gathered heart (Psalm 147:3).

The day began with worship, setting the tone for a spirit-filled experience. Jacksonville Leader Liza O’Connell, alongside co-leads Cynthia Perry and Bonne Evans, welcomed the attendees, followed by an introduction from MTS Founder & Director Carmen Alonso. After some fun icebreakers and small group sessions, the retreat delved into the heart of its theme.

One of the most moving moments was the solo skit, “Naomi’s Story,” performed by Duane Brittlebank, bringing to life the biblical account of Ruth and Naomi—a testament to God’s provision even in the midst of loss. This led into the first session, “Why is it so Hard to Ask for Help?”, led by a dedicated missionary who shared powerful insights on overcoming the barriers that keep us from seeking support. Her words resonated deeply, sparking reflection and discussion among the women.

A breathtaking interpretive dance to “When I Fall” by JoAnna Bannon (shown above) offered a visual representation of surrendering our burdens to God. This set the stage for small group activities, where attendees engaged in open discussions before breaking for prayer and lunch, sharing moments of vulnerability and encouragement.

The afternoon continued with the distribution of prophetic art led by Wanda Gonzalez, weaving creativity and worship together. Dawn Batchelor, First Lady of All Souls, then spoke on “Communication – The Key to Asking for Help,” emphasizing how effective communication can break down barriers and foster healing. The final topic, “Releasing Fear and Pride,” was presented by Ahisha Rodriguez, MTS Curriculum Head, who reminded everyone that God calls us to let go of the weights that hold us back.

As the retreat neared its end, women had the opportunity to receive personal prayer, bringing their burdens before God. The day concluded with a final closing prayer, sealing the lessons learned and the healing that had taken place.

This retreat was a transformative experience, filled with biblical wisdom, artistic expression, and heartfelt connection. We are grateful for every woman who attended, and we pray that each one continues to walk in the freedom of releasing their burdens to the Lord.

If you missed this retreat, stay connected for future events at our website or Facebook.

Empowered to Serve: A Transformational Staff Workshop

On March 1st, 2025, Mending the Scarred hosted an exclusive workshop for our dedicated staff members—a powerful, eye-opening session designed to equip and strengthen our team. For several hours, we poured into our volunteers, ensuring they have the knowledge, support, and tools to serve women affected by violence in the best way possible.

Every role within Mending the Scarred plays a crucial part in this mission, and this workshop was all about preparing each person to step into their position with confidence and purpose. After all, you can only give what has been poured into you. This wasn’t just another meeting—it was a transformative experience. If you were there, you know how impactful it was!

To our team members—stay tuned, stay engaged, and get ready for the next opportunity to grow, learn, and be empowered in your mission to serve!