FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MENUHA

Q: Is Menuha a not-for-profit organization?

 A: Menuha is a not-for-profit, incorporated organization governed by an independent board of directors who are all unpaid volunteers.
Q: How many people work there? A: Menuha has two co-directors - Diane Hershberger, Director of Mission Advancement, and Sister Annie, Director of Programs/Spiritual Guidance - and an administrative assistant, Janice Colt. But Menuha could not operate as well as it does without the hard work and dedication of its  volunteers. These volunteers serve as hostesses for vistors and guests, salad or soup makers for guests and reflection attendees, lawn mowers, weed pullers, house cleaners, writers, photographers, etc. There are several committees on which volunteers also serve, such as the marketing committee, programs and services committee, fundraising committee, and newsletter committee. Menuha is always looking for new people to get involved -- how can you volunteer?

Q: What does the word Menuha mean?

 A: Menuha is Hebrew for "rest." A more full interpretation is "to rest in purposeful contemplation."
Q: How did Menuha get started?
A: Sister Annie listened to many women talk about their need for rest, that they needed some "place" to go to find solitude, even if it was just for a few hours. Sister Annie then began to explore this idea further, and attempted to determine whether these women needed a bed and breakfast, a retreat house or a combination of the two. Menuha became a reality when Sister Annie found a house with many "spaces" where she thought women could come to rest for an hour, or two, or even overnight.

Q: Did Menuha purchase all of the furniture, books and music that exisits in the house? A: Almost all of the furnishings, reading/listening materials, dishes, etc. were donated by generous benefactors. It is part of the Menuha philosophy that materials should not be purchased when they can be obtained through donations. This philosophy keeps the financial resources available for programs and services for the women who use the House.
Q: How big is the house and what is the yard like? A: Menuha is a two-story, colonial style home with a screened in porch and a large garden in the backyard. The house sits on a 1/2 acre of land and has many old trees that thrive on the property. The backyard, or Garden of Reflection, has several benches for rest, a small pond, several chimes, bird feeders and many beautiful flowering plants and shrubs.
Q: Can I come to tour the house and grounds? A: Yes, simply call Menuha at 816-444-2434 and make an appointment to stop by and receive a tour by one of Menuha's hostesses.
Q: What exactly are "Reflections"? A: Reflections are group programs that include input, group sharing and rituals that express the topic. A woman with expertise in a specific area volunteers her time and talent to share with a group of women information on a specific topic. An Evening of Reflection group generally includes about 10-15 women, and these groups generally meet in Menuha's recently renovated Gathering Space. Check out our current Reflections!
Q: Is Menuha affiliated with a church or religious organization? A: House of Menuha is a non-denominational organization and is not affiliated with any church or religious organization. Sister Annie is a member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, but Menuha operates as an independent organization governed solely by its board of directors.
Q: Do I pay anything to use the House? A: The House operates on the concept of "suggested offerings." These are suggested financial contributions, but no woman is turned away because of an inability to make the suggested offering. In fact, a Hospitality Fund was set up several years ago to assist with these types of needs. Click on the suggested offerings link to see a detailed listing.
Q: How is Menuha funded? A: Menuha is supported by offerings from guests, donations from organizations, donations from individuals and grants.