Letter from Sister Tesa

“There is a time for everything and for every purpose under heaven”This familiar passage from Ecclesiastes has been holding my heart and soul as I made the decision to seek a successor to lead Hour Children echoing in a promising future. It is time.

“A time to be born and a time to die”
Thirty-five years ago, the dream was born to provide a loving home where children whose mothers were incarcerated could flourish and live the life they deserved. My Mother’s House was opened in Long Island City and continues to flourish as a beacon of hope and stability. Your goodness has nurtured that birth.

“A time to plant and a time to uproot”
Over the next three decades the services of Hour Children grew to include six communal homes, 3 apartment houses, and 2 housing partnerships – all welcoming respites where mothers and children could reunite and thrive together. Service programs expanded to meet the needs of Hour families and Hour community. You can be proud that your generosity and support have brought these signs of hope to fruition.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh”
The past decades have been blessed with an abundance of joyous events and celebrations, most notably Christmas parties, trips to Rye Playland, backyard barbecues, and birthday parties galore!

The words “dedicated”, “committed” and “caring” capture the depth and quality of the Hour Children Board, staff, and volunteers over the years to the present. Their work is more a calling, than a job. I delight in recalling the memorable holiday gatherings, potluck lunches and casual meetings at the coffee pot. Always with the mission of Hour Children at the forefront of our conversations and decisions! Our relationships have been an inspiration and motivation to many who have come to know us. So much lived goodness will be treasured by me forever.

“A time to embrace and a time to refrain”
The mothers and children with whom I have been blessed to share life with for 35 years have helped shape the vision and fire that permeate my soul. Their resilience, depth of character, were among my greatest teachers. I have seen their humility when they faced failure and their courage as they begin again. Humbly, I stand in awe and admiration (and, of course deep gratitude). “A time to assess and a time to build” Hour Children’s growth is a tribute to the generosity and goodness of the human spirit. Benefactors who believed in Hour mission and faithfully contributed, philanthropic foundations who walked with us guiding our growth and focus, as well as dedicated staff who day in day out challenged and supported our women and children, have all played a vital role in building Hour Children’s stellar reputation for service and integrity.

“A time to be silent and a time to speak”
Hour Children’s values and mission have always been a voice for justice on behalf of our women and their families. Hour lived experience and Hour public witness stand in testimony to the endurance of the values we uphold. May Hour actions become bolder, louder, and more equitable in a world broken by division and injustice.

“A time to search and a time to give over”
The quest begins for a spirited, passion-filled person to lead Hour Children with conviction, vision, and love. With God’s providence and your support, a strong leader will be called forth to faithfully lead Hour Children in its growth and continued service to Hour families in need.

“A time to love and a time to let go”
Gratitude…gratitude…and more gratitude! Over these decades I trust you have noticed that I truly loved what I was called to do. Each day brought a zest and joy for life – what greater gift can one be given!

Walking faithfully and lovingly with unfailing support has been my Fitzgerald/Gallagher family – the heart of my life – my CSJ religious community, and many extraordinary friends, to complete the circle of plentitude that is my life.

God has blessed me abundantly and with a full heart, I will forever echo “Thank You” for being a part of my wondrous, meaningful journey.

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, To love mercy, and To walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

Love and Grace beyond measure,

Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, CSJ
Executive Director