write a hope note (or 5) today.
You know how much I love snail mail. And helping people in need with a touch of thoughtfulness and love.
I really love this project. And I want you to love it too.
I want all you writers and artists to help flood this post office box (address below) with pure, shining love and support and beauty.
I met the organizer of this project first by email, and then in person when I spoke to a Leadership Asheville gathering here. She has created a project near to my heart–notes supporting women in need. I hope you can join me in participating in this amazing project. Today. It won't take long. It will have a big impact. Can you write 5 notes (or more) and send them today? My thanks.
Please send to arrive in time for this gathering: All Hope Notes collected for Helpmate will be on display at an upcoming benefit event called "Hope in the Handwriting," set for July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Laurey's Catering (67 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville). Guests will have an opportunity to write a note of their own, plus there will be an array of dessert and appetizers to snack on, along with live music and a silent auction. After the benefit, Hope Notes will be distributed to new clients as they arrive at the shelter.
Hope Notes: a Helpmate, Inc. Project
What is Helpmate?
Helpmate is the city of Asheville and Buncombe County’s domestic violence agency. Its services include: safe shelter, support groups, individual counseling, a 24/7 crisis line, and resource referrals. All of Helpmate’s services are free to clients.
What is a “Hope Note”?
A Hope Note is a card made specifically to give to a woman staying at the Helpmate shelter or attending Helpmate’s support groups. The inside of the card contains an empowering, encouraging message from a member of the community. The card itself will either be a donated card that can be provided to a participant or a blank card that will be designed when it is submitted.
What should someone write in a Hope Note?
Helpmate emphasizes the empowerment of women, so messages should reflect that goal. The project is meant to show support from the community. Appropriate messages will include supportive, positive remarks. They can be as brief as 1-2 sentences.
Good Example: “You have made a great choice by reaching out to Helpmate. Your community supports you.”
Bad Example: “I feel so bad for you. I can’t believe this is happening to you. Good luck.”
How does the project work?
After the cards’ messages have been completed, the Helpmate volunteer who designed this project, Liz Miller and/or Helpmate staff will screen cards to ensure that messages are appropriate, the front of the card will be designed, and the cards will be distributed to Helpmate clients.
Other items to consider:
– The note can be longer than 2 sentences if you wish, but I’m only asking 1-2 sentences minimum.
– You can sign your name, initials, or leave it anonymous—whatever you feel comfortable doing. I recommend initials.
– You don’t need to address the note to anyone. Simply write your message. We don’t yet know who it will be going to.
– Since we would like to be sensitive to the diversity of Helpmate clients, please refrain from overly religious sentiments.
Example of what not to write: “Only with God’s help can you overcome this.” or “Come visit our church.”
Example of something okay to write: “God bless you.” or “I’m praying for you.”
Remember to keep your remarks encouraging, empowering & positive. Think about what you would most like to read from someone if/when you’re going through a hard time. Also, remember that a lot of Helpmate’s clients have had low self-esteem for a majority of their lives and feel like they have no control over what happens to them. The goal of this project is to give clients a sense of hope and to tell them what they’re doing right. Let them know that there are people in the community that support them and believe in them.
If you are a part of a group or organization and you would like to have Hope Notes as a part of your program, please contact Liz for more information! (She loves to talk to groups on behalf of Helpmate.)
If you are a business that would like to donate cardstock/cards, please contact Liz or Helpmate directly.
Helpmate will be recognizing all groups/businesses that are participating in the project in Helpmate's e-newsletters.
Send completed cards to:
Hope Notes Project
PO Box 2263, Asheville, NC 28802
If you have any questions, please email Liz Miller at izabemiller@gmail.com Or, you may call Helpmate directly at (828) 254-2968, ext. 12 (Christy Price).
[Photo of Liz Miller by Philip Frazer for the MountainXpress]
