At the Gabriel’s House Christmas Party on December 21, volunteers, staff, current residents, and a few past residents celebrated this holy season Santa made a special appearance with sacks full of gift for all the children—courtesy of many local organizations and individuals. The smiles on the children warmed the hearts of everyone in the room. Then it was the ladies turn to receive gifts donated by a very special volunteer. There were slippers and robes, wallets, and jewelry to choose from! The ladies’ smiles were just as heartwarming! Pastor Mike Collazo led Christmas carols, and everyone joined in to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Thanks to everyone who made this Christmas so full of joy for the women and children of Gabriel’s House.

Held at the Camarillo Ranch House, the Harvest of Lights Dinner and Live Auction was a great success because of our amazing board members, faithful donors, generous foundation partners, and new friends! A special thanks to Gene Haas Foundation, Oxnard Monday Club, Alliance Advisory & Securities, Catanese and Wells Law Corporation, and Build D3 Design and Development. Founder and CEO Sam Gallucci reemphasized the Gabriel’s House mission to end the cycle of homelessness—one woman and child at a time. Director Tammy Duff interviewed residents Sandra and Kameron who shared their journey and how Christ has been at the heart of their change and growth. The live auction offered excitement with bidding on luxury vacation homes, a sunset flight from Camarillo Airport, a private gourmet dinner prepared by Sam and Toni Gallucci, and e-bikes from Trek Bicycles Ventura. We reached out goal of raising $100,000 to bring increasing help and hope to homeless women and children.

Pastors and church leaders gathered to pray for our world, our nation, our community and the women and children of Gabriel’s House. This is a quarterly occurrence when we invite our church partners to enjoy a delicious breakfast, fellowship, and a time of intentional prayer. At Gabriel’s House, prayer is foundational to all we do! 

If you would like to attend our next Prayer Breakfast, email us at info@gabriels-house.org and we’ll add you to the invitation list.

Iris Carignan is a celebrated artist and art instructor from Thousand Oaks. Her landscape paintings have won awards and accolades. She’s also been a volunteer at Gabriel’s House, so when residents expressed an interest in learning to paint, Iris stepped up. 

Bringing with her easels, canvases, oil paints and brushes, Iris began teaching a four-week painting class at Gabriel’s House in January. It’s been wonderful to see one of our youngest residents explore artistic expression, while another reconnects with a long-standing love for painting. Iris shares her artistic skill and passion with the women, while also sharing the stories of faith that have guided her life. 

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give to the women and children of Gabriel’s House. Many of our women—young and old—are enjoying new hobbies and learning new skills in just months of coming to Gabriel’s House. We are grateful for all our volunteers who make a lasting impact on our residents. If you have a talent or skill to share, give us a call!

We can’t wait to see what God will do as we partner together to equip and enrich the lives of the women and children of Gabriel’s House. Inspiration is the catalyst for change!

At the Gabriel’s House Christmas Party on December 12, residents, staff, and special guests gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ. There were delicious treats, hot cocoa, Christmas music, and a skit presented by the a few of the adults and most of the children of Gabriel’s House. Two of our newest Gabriel’s Guardians donors presented Living Stones (stones with their favorite Bible verse) at the cross, symbolizing their commitment to stand with the women and children of Gabriel’s House. All of us at Gabriel’s House wish you a Merry Christmas!