When Dreams Come True - good things happen!
By: Kim Schreiner

It began as a dream - nothing too extravagant, only a desire to provide a place for women to simply be. This place needed to exude a feeling of being at home with one’s spirit upon entering the door.

The dream began in a woman’s heart as she envisioned a space for quiet reflection, reading, prayer, friendship, or whatever a woman needed to nurture herself. She believed that if women had the opportunity to take care of themselves in this way, then the families, children, and communities they touched would be strengthened. This dream became fully realized when Sr. Annie Loendorf, SCL began welcoming women to House of Menuha in August 1993.

House of Menuha is a peaceful sanctuary where women gather to learn, to share, and to grow. Menuha is a Hebrew word which means, “to rest in purposeful contemplation.” House of Menuha has evolved into a haven of rest, reflection, and renewal of body, mind, and spirit for women of all walks of life who share a common desire to be nurtured. Women come to Menuha by themselves, with friends, with small groups and with family members to share the experience. They create rituals to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other life passages.

Women today have accepted new commitments and obligationsÑto relationships, to careers, and to others in need through volunteer work. This daily rhythm can create the pressure of physical and emotional stress. Women want and need quiet and solitude in their hectic lives. A study from UCLA suggests that women enjoy friendships with other women. They learn from sharing with other women. These connections help counter the stress and produce a calming effect.

Upon entering Menuha, you will find various rooms to accommodate individual needs and group needs. Menuha offers private rooms for daytime visits, group meeting spaces, homemade meals, and a beautiful Garden of Reflection. Groups who choose to use Menuha during the day are not limited to only women and can range in size up to 20 persons.

House of Menuha has expanded her outreach through daytime and evening Reflections. Reflections are programs that feature topics on health and wellness, spirituality, personal growth, and other women’s issues. Menuha also hosts “pioneer retreats” for women in transition who are in need of spiritual and emotional self-care. Funded by individuals and organizations, the beneficiaries of these retreats have included MOCSA, Rose Brooks, Friendship House, Catherine’s Place, and reStart Shelter.

Come and see what a dream has become. Experience a Menuha “moment” with a friend, as a group, or by yourself. Join us for one of our inspiring Reflections or share your gifts by volunteering as a gardener, baker, or daytime hostess.

House of Menuha is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Reflections are held in the evening between 6 and 8:30 according to our schedule.), Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, and is closed on Sundays.

House of Menuha is located at 801 E. 77th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64131. For more information call 816-444-2434 or visit us at www.menuha.org. House of Menuha is a 501c3 non-profit corporation funded through individual donations, business donations, service offerings, and grants.