December at REST was filled with moments of connection, creativity, and meaningful community. Even in a season that can feel especially heavy for many survivors, our team worked to create spaces where guests and clients could experience joy, belonging, and rest.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Open Mic Night
One of the highlights of the month was our Winter Wonderland Holiday Open Mic Night. This deeply special community gathering brought everyone together to celebrate hope during the winter season. Guests and clients shared their talents by playing the piano, ringing bells, and even forming a little “REST band” as we sang holiday songs together. Others played the flute, shared funny stories, and created an atmosphere that was equal parts healing and joyful.
A powerful moment of the night came when a community client shared an inspiring speech about what she has overcome, how REST supported her journey, and how that experience sparked her desire to continue working in anti-trafficking efforts. She shared that it is her dream to become a public speaker on anti-trafficking and that she was grateful for the opportunity to practice for the first time in front of an audience.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Encounter Church for being such a supportive audience and for bringing delicious treats for everyone!
Holiday Spirit Week
We hosted Holiday Spirit Week throughout the month, creating simple activities that supported connection and comfort, including painting nails while enjoying hot cocoa and decorating cookies together. A big thank you to Julie from the REST Board and Kate for generously bringing supplies and helping make cookie decorating possible.
Christmas Caroling at a Senior Living Center
Our caroling visit to a senior living center was especially impactful. Many residents in memory care were bed-bound, so our shelter guests went room to room spreading cheer and offering companionship. One guest even helped a resident they affectionately nicknamed “the Grinch” smile and join in by ringing a bell at the end. Afterward, several guests shared that this was their first time ever caroling, and they felt inspired to keep spreading joy.
Making the Holidays Brighter for Shelter Guests
We were grateful to fulfill every wish list item for our shelter guests for Christmas. The holidays can be an especially difficult time, and many guests expressed how thankful and cared for they felt waking up on Christmas morning to homemade stockings and gifts.
Special thanks to Mihkai’s mother-in-law and Ronda’s son, who chose REST as his church’s community service project, and to Grace Church Seattle for making Christmas presents possible for our shelter guests.
Celebrating Our Team
To close out the month, we hosted a holiday party for our shelter team and presented our quarterly REST Value Awards. Ronda received the Tenacity Award, and Shakilah received the Honor Award. We also celebrated November and December staff birthdays, reflected on all that was accomplished in 2025, and looked ahead with excitement to the year to come.
December was a meaningful reminder that healing is often built through consistent care, community, and small moments of joy. Thank you to everyone who helped make this season possible!