2024 event photos

This year’s event provided us with the opportunity to reflect on the status of our heart. Where are we hurting? Not functioning well? What breaks our heart? What do we hope for? My friend, and very talented artist: Adri Hayes painted this piece which laid the foundation for the story told for our walkthrough experience.

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Guests were welcomed into a dark room, with a beating heart. From there the beginning of our story began in a broken garden. A room that acknowledged the mess and brokenness within our city. Yet, we know we can’t stay there - the next spaces invited guests to experience Hope through art and artist’s depiction of what they hope that looks like. There were also elements people could touch that shared what it takes to put the garden back together.

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From there guests walked through an actual Greenhouse into the Greenhouse for People, where you could see what space at Homes and Shechem look like. We do our part each day, but we have also been connected to and partnered with lots of other organizations doing good work - our partner room highlighted some of these key places. From there, people were faced with the Land Between. The season of life we all face that is full of trials and tribulations, moments of darkness and uncertainty…and this often leads us to repentance. We own our part, and we receive the grace that is ours because of Jesus’ sacrifice. As people walked towards the light, they were met with our mosaic collaborative art piece. Everyone was able to add their broken piece to make something truly beautiful as they entered into our final space - the restored garden. A space that reflects how life will be some day. 

 

I wish we could have left this exhibit up for more people to experience - but I’m so grateful it positively impacted those who were able to walk through. 

 

The evening didn’t stop there, we ended the night with a program full of incredibly talented individuals who sang, performed spoken word, member stories, and a recap of the last 25 years of Hope Street. 

 

It was a beautiful evening. I am proud of my team, and the countless volunteers who helped bring it to life. It reflected well who we are, and who we will continue to be moving forward. 

 

Thank you Hope Street Fam for faithfully showing up and investing in a community that invests back into itself by providing Hope, building community and creating an environment where everyone can grow and flourish. It is a great honor to lead an organization that joins Him in the restoration of all things. 

 

Thankful,

 

Ashley N. Thomas

CEO