| | | | Newsletter | February 2026 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | We are an organization of women volunteers passionate about reaching out to the broken women affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse or any other type of brokenness in need of mental and emotional healing. | | | | | | | | | |
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In a world that often rushes past pain, February invites us to pause—and remember the power of love that mends, uplifts, and restores. At Mending The Scarred, we’ve seen firsthand how love expressed through compassion, community, and faith can spark healing in even the deepest wounds. This month, we’re highlighting the quiet strength of those who choose love in action—through support groups, outreach, and simply showing up for one another. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we’re not just telling stories of hope—we’re living them. | Carmen Alonso, Founder and Executive Director |
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A Love Story Rewritten—The Truth About You
This February, we’re talking about a kind of love that’s easy to forget: loving ourselves—not with pride or self-centeredness, but the way God loves us and calls us His beloved.
For so many survivors, years of pain and mistreatment have written false scripts on their hearts—lies that say unworthy, unwanted, unlovable. Long after leaving the hands that harmed them, they remain captive to beliefs that were planted in suffering, watered by fear, and reinforced over time as they were unknowingly discipled into toxic thinking they never asked for.
But Jesus invites each of us to be re-discipled—to learn a new way of seeing ourselves. Like branches that must stay connected to the vine to live and grow, we need to stay attached to Him and rooted in His Word—daily reminding our hearts what God says about who we are, not what our pain or our past has told us.
In Him, survivors find a safe place to heal, to untangle falsehoods, and to discover a true story: You are made in the image of God. You are chosen. You are deeply loved.
This isn’t surface-level advice—it’s a deep rebuilding from the inside out. It is a courageous journey—to sit with truth, to build a new relationship with the One who heals, and, in turn, to see yourself as He does.
At Mending The Scarred, we walk beside survivors as they relearn how to love themselves—to stand tall in a love that flows first from the Father’s heart. As you read this month’s stories and updates, may you too be reminded: You are worthy of love—starting with your own.
May this February be more than roses and cards—may it be a month to ask, What would it look like to love myself the way God loves me?
Whether you’re a survivor, a friend, or an advocate, we invite you to journey deeper into this transforming truth with us. Let’s mend the scars that shame left behind and learn, day by day, to see ourselves through the eyes of grace—staying rooted in the One who gives life and speaks truth over you each day.
Stay connected, stay hopeful, and remember—you are loved, you are seen, and you are not alone. |
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Beyond the Meetings: Faith, Fellowship, and Fun
When most people think of Mending The Scarred, they picture our heartfelt group meetings — the times we pray, share, and encourage one another through life’s challenges.
And yes, those moments are the heartbeat of who we are. But there’s another side to our community that is just as meaningful: the laughter, the shared meals, and the ease of simply spending time together outside the “meeting room.”
|  | | | All photos are shared with permission. Each woman pictured is either a healed survivor who is no longer in danger, or a volunteer supporting the cause. |
| All throughout the year, those moments make their way into our calendars in the most natural and uplifting ways.
One campus spent a sunny afternoon at a member’s community pool—where the only plan was relaxing together, enjoying the sunshine, and sharing plenty of laughs.
Another group enjoyed a cozy lunch at Chick-fil-A after a meeting, savoring waffle fries, conversation, and the blessing of friendships that don’t end when the meeting does.
Others chose a movie night, grabbing popcorn and tickets for a good time at the theater. In some of these gatherings, loved ones came along too, sharing in the laughter, the fellowship, and the warmth of our Mending The Scarred family.
These moments may seem small, but they speak volumes. They remind us that healing isn’t only about working through the difficult parts of life—it’s also about building new memories, enjoying life together, and rediscovering the comfort of simple companionship.
Whether we’re relaxing by the pool, sharing a meal, or laughing in a theater, we’re strengthening the bonds that make our Mending The Scarred family so strong.
Because at the end of the day, we’re more than a support group. We’re a community that prays together, heals together… and knows how to have a little fun along the way. |
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With Grateful Hearts, We Look Ahead
As we step into another year of walking alongside survivors, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for you—our faithful friends and supporters.
Your encouragement, your prayers, your generosity, and your willingness to stand with us are more than just acts of kindness. They are lifelines. They are reminders that no one has to face hardship alone. |
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We are especially thankful for each of our volunteers who faithfully show up at gatherings, ensuring that everything is set up and running with care, for our mentors who walk closely with survivors, and for every person who stands with us in this cause. You are the hands and hearts that make this mission possible.
Every safe step forward, every smile after tears, every moment of renewed hope is possible because you chose to care. You have shown us that healing is not only a dream—it’s a journey that we can walk together, one step at a time.
Because of you, Mending The Scarred continues to grow into a place where brokenness meets restoration, where pain gives way to resilience, and where survivors can begin to dream again. Thank you for believing that change is possible and for being part of the work that makes it real.
As we move through 2026, we carry this hope with us: that together, we can keep opening doors to healing and keep building a community where every life has dignity, safety, and a future.
From our hearts to yours—thank you for being here, for standing with survivors, and for reminding us all that love has the power to mend what once was scarred. | | |
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Healing Together: Finding Strength in Community
One Calendar, Many Ways to Connect
Gathering in person brings a special kind of strength—sharing a meal, exchanging stories, and finding comfort in each other’s presence. These moments create spaces where women can learn, support one another, and form genuine connections that last well beyond the meeting.
Alongside our in-person gatherings, our weekly online prayer group offers a quiet, welcoming space to grow in faith, share encouragement, and stay connected—right from home, no matter what season of life you’re in.
You can learn more about our gatherings and ongoing programs on our website. However you connect, we hope you know this: you’re part of a community that walks together, listens deeply, and believes in the slow, steady work of healing.
Through our monthly group meetings, recurring events, weekly prayer calls, inspiring themes, active WhatsApp groups, and special gatherings, we’re reminded that none of us walk this journey alone. | | |
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| | Annual Retreat | March 2026
Victory Over Affliction is a one-day women’s retreat created as a space to pause, reflect, and gently release what no longer serves you.
Together, we’ll explore healing and renewal through meaningful conversation and guided reflection, stepping toward a future no longer shaped by the past.
The retreat will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park, Florida.
Lunch is included, and guest speaker's bios are available on our website. | | |
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| | | | | | Threads of One Story
Across Orlando, Jacksonville, and our Spanish-speaking community, all Mending The Scarred chapters continue growing through one shared monthly theme.
Each gathering carries its own rhythm, personality, and cultural flavor—yet the heart behind the message remains beautifully aligned.
Every chapter shares its own flyer with date, time, and location, making it simple to join wherever you are. And for those who prefer Spanish, our dedicated Spanish chapter journeys through the same theme—fully in Spanish.
Different cities, different voices, one shared invitation: to reflect, learn, and grow alongside other women through Scripture, conversation, and lived experience. | | | | | |
| This Month’s Topic: Inner Healing—The Journey Towards Wholeness
Healing is rarely instant, and it is never meant to be walked alone. It unfolds over time—layer by layer—as we learn to tend to the places within us that have been wounded, overlooked, or quietly carried for years.
This gathering marks the beginning of a healing journey we will walk together over the course of the year. Month by month, we’ll explore twelve meaningful steps toward healing, allowing space for emotional and physical restoration, spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and release. Each step invites us to slow down, reflect, and gently respond to what our hearts, bodies, and souls need most.
More than a teaching, this is a welcoming space—a place to be supported, to listen, to share if you wish, and to be reminded that healing is not about rushing toward an outcome, but about faithfully showing up to the process. Through community, compassion, and intentional conversation, we’ll learn how healing can take root and grow over time.
If you find yourself longing for wholeness, clarity, or simply a place to walk alongside others who understand that healing is a journey, you are warmly invited to join us. |
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| ¿Hablas español? | Speak Spanish?
Tema de este mes: Sanidad interior—El camino hacia la plenitud
La sanidad rara vez es instantánea, y nunca fue diseñada para caminarse en soledad. Es un proceso que se va revelando con el tiempo—paso a paso—mientras aprendemos a atender aquellas áreas de nuestro interior que han sido heridas, ignoradas o cargadas en silencio durante años.
Este encuentro marca el inicio de un camino de sanidad que recorreremos juntas a lo largo del año. Mes a mes, exploraremos doce pasos significativos hacia la sanidad, creando espacio para la restauración emocional y física, la renovación espiritual, el perdón y la liberación. Cada paso nos invita a detenernos, reflexionar y responder con ternura a lo que nuestro corazón, cuerpo y alma necesitan.
Más que una enseñanza, este es un espacio de bienvenida—un lugar para ser acompañadas, para escuchar, compartir si así lo deseas, y recordar que la sanidad no se trata de llegar rápido a un resultado, sino de presentarnos fielmente al proceso. A través de la comunidad, la compasión y conversaciones intencionales, aprenderemos cómo la sanidad puede echar raíces y crecer con el tiempo.
Si en tu corazón hay un anhelo de plenitud, claridad o simplemente un lugar donde caminar junto a otras mujeres que entienden que la sanidad es un camino, eres cordialmente invitada a acompañarnos. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | The Thread That Connects Us
Our Save the Date! page is the heartbeat of our community—it’s where stories, gatherings, and moments intertwine. You’ll find everything from monthly meeting times and themes to prayer calls, special events, and WhatsApp groups.
It’s one simple space to stay in rhythm with what’s happening, who’s gathering, and how you can join in—wherever life finds you.
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| | We’re already looking ahead with anticipation to our next S.H.A.P.E. class!
Beginning in August, this 14-week guided journey meets once a week via Zoom for an enriching one-hour session.
It’s a meaningful investment—one that allows space for reflection, encouragement, and discovering how God has uniquely crafted you for His purposes.
Start making room on your calendar for August. We’ll be sharing the exact date and time as the month approaches, and we’d be honored to walk this journey together. | | |
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Together, We Can Break the Cycle of Trauma
At Mending The Scarred, we believe every woman deserves the chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive after trauma.
Many women survivors of domestic violence and other hardships face overwhelming challenges—homelessness, financial instability, and emotional wounds that feel impossible to heal alone. That’s where we step in.
We provide real, life-changing support to women in need, offering counseling, job assistance, emergency aid, food, clothing, medical care, and access to education. But we don’t stop there—we’re working toward a secure, transitional housing program in Central Florida, giving survivors a stable place to stay while they rebuild their lives.
This mission isn’t just about meeting basic needs—it’s about empowerment. We want women to move beyond survival, to become confident, self-sufficient, and ready to build a bright future.
But we can’t do this alone. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—can change lives. Together, we can provide a fresh start for women who need it most.
Will you join us? | | |
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Exciting Ways to Make a Difference
Be the Change: Join Our Mission to Empower Women
Mending the Scarred thrives because of dedicated volunteers like you—individuals with a passion for transforming the lives of women impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. Together, we can create a brighter future.
| | | | | | | Here’s how you can make a difference:
❤️ Community Outreach: Share hope by helping us connect with local schools, churches, and community events, introducing women to the life-changing support of MTS.
❤️ Prayer & Intercession Team: Lend your heart and faith by praying for the women we serve and supporting our leadership team through intercession and special events. | | | | | |
| Your time, energy, and compassion can change lives. Take the first step today! Click the link below to explore volunteer opportunities and email us at info@mendingthescarred.org to get started.
Let’s make an impact together! | | |
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Sponsor a Survivor
Imagine the profound impact you can have on a woman who has endured the unthinkable—abuse, trauma, and heartache.
Your sponsorship isn't just a donation—it's an investment in the restoration of a life. It’s a chance to show a woman who has suffered that she is seen, valued, and worthy of the care and healing she so desperately needs.
Every session provides a safe space for her to process her pain, rebuild her self-worth, and reclaim the strength that trauma tried to take from her. | | |
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Spread the Healing: Invite Others to Join Our Journey
Every journey toward healing becomes more powerful when shared.
If our newsletter has inspired, uplifted, or encouraged you, we invite you to share it with others who might benefit as well! Encourage your friends, family, or colleagues to subscribe. Together, we can extend the reach of hope, understanding, and connection to even more hearts.
Let’s grow this community of healing—one invitation at a time. |
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Got Questions?
See our most popular FAQs! |
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