Donna Marie’s Mission is a labor of love, born from a journey of forgiveness, gratitude, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of women and children.
Our story was inspired by three remarkable women: my biological mother, my husband’s mother, and my adoptive mother. Their names—Donna and Marie—are woven into the fabric of our name, each representing a unique part of the story.
For many years, I carried resentment toward my biological mother for her decision to place my sisters and me into adoption. I struggled to understand why she couldn’t hold on tighter, why she didn’t fight harder. But as time passed, I realized her decision wasn’t easy—it was a sacrifice. It was made in the face of hardship and pain. Over the last decade, I found the strength to forgive her, to honor the womb that gave me life, and to recognize her part in my journey. Including her name in this non-profit is my way of paying tribute to her courage and acknowledging the struggles she faced.
At the heart of Donna Marie’s Mission is my adoptive mother, the woman who raised me with unwavering love and guidance from the time I was 8 years old. Alongside my adoptive father, she opened her home and heart to not just me but to nine other children. Together, they became pillars of our community, taking in children who needed a safe and loving place to belong. They taught us the value of compassion, resilience, and the importance of stepping up when there is a need.
This organization is my way of honoring their legacy while addressing the same challenges my biological mother might have faced. We aim to create solutions for women navigating domestic hardships by partnering with community organizations and providing safe, sustainable housing and access to life-changing resources.
Through our programs, we equip women with tools to advance their education, stabilize their finances, manage life’s challenges, care for their children, and nurture their mental well-being. It’s about more than survival—it’s about fostering hope, happiness, and the belief that brighter days are ahead.