A LETTER FROM OUR CEO: “Freedom in Action”
June reminded us that freedom is something we work toward every day, not just something we celebrate.
June is recognized as Pride Month and the Juneteenth holiday is observed annually on June 19. Both are rooted in different histories but remind us that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
At Operation Restoration, freedom means having access to opportunity, healing, education, and the resources needed to move forward. It means creating spaces where women and girls are seen, supported, and equipped to build the futures they deserve.
This month, we were honored to receive the 2026 Marguerite Redwine Innovation & Excellence in Homeless Services Award, recognizing the work our team does each day to help women secure safe and stable housing.
We also hosted our 4th Annual Juneteenth Community Festival, where neighbors, partners, and supporters came together to connect families with resources while honoring the significance of Juneteenth. Together, we distributed 100 food boxes containing more than 5,600 food items, served more than 900 meals, and provided 176 packs of diapers to community members. We also hosted six community giveaways and connected hundreds of attendees with valuable resources and services. Each interaction reflected our commitment to building healthier communities.
In partnership with ESSENCE, Myavana, and Don’t Forget About Me, Operation Restoration curated the Create to Heal initiative, creating a safe space for women impacted by incarceration to receive self care through personalized hairstyling and massages.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating opportunities that restore dignity, expand access, and strengthen our communities. Freedom should not only be something we celebrate,it is something we work toward every day.
In Gratitude,
Syrita Steib
Founder, President & CEO
Operation Restoration