Hope at Hand Inc
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Mission Statement
Hope at Hand is a nonprofit organization that provides art and poetry lessons for at-risk and vulnerable youth populations. Using poetry therapy, educational best practices and elements of art, we facilitate healing and personal growth to struggling children and adolescents with limited resources.
About This Cause
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website cdc.gov: “Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. As such, early experiences are an important public health issue. Much of the research in this area has been referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are linked to: risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, and early death. As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for these outcomes. CDC promotes lifelong health and well-being, assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children...that will help children reach their full potential.” Hope at Hand uses therapeutic art and poetry strategies designed to assist people to recognize and overcome circumstances that limit their successful participation in society. We help youth in North Florida reach their full potential. We help them let go of the past and seek a bright future. We let them know that they are smart and worthy. Hope at Hand works diligently to challenge ACEs through art and poetry. In 2017 and 2018, with a staff that now includes ten (10) trained professionals, Hope at Hand provided poetry therapy sessions for more than 6700 children and teens. Partner organizations include Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, Gateway/Steps to Recovery, River Oak Recovery High School, Daniel Foundation, PACE Center for Girls, John E. Ford PreK-8, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girl’s Inc., Youth Crisis Center, Children’s Home Society/Buckner Division, Seamark Ranch, Hope Haven Children’s Clinic, Pine Forest School of the Arts, Sallye B. Mathis Elementary, Sanctuary on 8th Street, Girls Court, Duval Regional Detention Center/Department of Juvenile Justice, and John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility. The Hope at Hand team facilitates 90 minute group sessions. As trust is established, different forms of poetry are introduced, from published poetry, that allow participants to dig deeper into metaphors and figurative language, fostering the concepts of choice and change. Participants read carefully selected poems then connect the text to their personal situation. They write original poems that deepen their connections to the discussions and the text. Sessions are coupled with other art forms where participants can experience the joy that comes with successful achievement. Once the reading and analysis are completed, then the fun really begins. Participants transform their words into art using paint and collage and mixed media. GOALS: Connect with youth who don’t readily trust adults Increase arts opportunities for youth in low income areas To encourage positive thinking through literature and problem solving through creative thinking To increase community building through active listening, written and oral communication, self-awareness, confidence, self-esteem and capability If I could be free that's all it would take. I’d roam this Earth to clear all of my mistakes. If I could be free, I’d flow like the wind. I’d set sail on the water, go to sleep, wake up and start over again. If I could be free I'd never leave home. But I do realize at this point the word free is unknown. -incarcerated female juvenile with Hope at Hand Pretrial Detention Facility I understand I must change. I say that everything will be okay. I try to be nicer to people close to me. I hope to see myself happy with another one day. I am unsatisfied and struggling. I am hungry and very forgiving. I wonder if I can get a job. I hear that it is very easy but it’s difficult. I want to learn how to change myself. I am soft and surviving. -adolescent male with Hope at Hand Portside Mobile Home Park