Spreading Positivity: How a High School Student's Greeting Card Initiative is Uplifting Survivors

In a world often consumed by darkness, a high school student from Cheshire, Connecticut, has found a simple yet powerful way to bring light and hope to those who need it most. Chloe Retuya, a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, has launched an organization called Greetings for Healing, which aims to uplift survivors of crime, violence, and abuse through the power of personalized greeting cards.

Empowering Survivors, One Card at a Time

Turning Adversity into Advocacy

Chloe Retuya's journey with Greetings for Healing is deeply personal. As a survivor of PTSD herself, she understands the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on one's healing process. Driven by her own experiences, Retuya has dedicated herself to creating a platform that allows volunteers from around the world to contribute to the well-being of those who have endured unimaginable trauma.Through Greetings for Healing, Retuya and her team of volunteers collaborate with various victim advocacy centers, reaching out to organizations like Women Against Abuse. They work tirelessly to design and distribute digital greeting cards, each one containing a message of encouragement, strength, and hope. These cards are then printed and delivered to the survivors, providing them with a tangible reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

The Power of a Simple Card

Retuya's initiative has had a profound impact on the lives of those it touches. She recounts the rewarding experience of hearing the stories of how a simple card can brighten someone's day and provide a much-needed boost of encouragement. The cards, which often feature positive quotes and messages of resilience, serve as a testament to the transformative power of small acts of kindness.One of the most remarkable aspects of Greetings for Healing is the global reach it has achieved. Through social media, Retuya has been able to gather a network of nearly 900 online volunteers, each contributing their time and creativity to the cause. Together, they have created and distributed over 500 cards in just one year, demonstrating the exponential impact that can be made when people come together for a common purpose.

Expanding the Reach of Greetings for Healing

As Greetings for Healing continues to grow, Retuya has set her sights on expanding the organization's reach and impact. She envisions a future where the initiative can touch the lives of even more survivors, providing them with the support and encouragement they need to heal and thrive.Retuya's dedication to this cause extends beyond her high school years. She has been touring colleges, exploring opportunities to study social work and nonprofit management, with the goal of further developing her skills and knowledge to better serve the communities she aims to support.Through Greetings for Healing, Chloe Retuya has proven that a simple act of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, reminding us that even the smallest gestures can make a world of difference in the lives of those who have endured unimaginable challenges.