It seems like so long ago that we began dreaming and planning for the Festival of Hope. But here it is less that three weeks away. Here are the basics. The Festival of Hope is one way to help remove the stigma of mental health illness and to raise awareness of addiction, substance use disorders. How could we do this on a large scale? That was the question. Then we started with the idea of having a “Festival of Hope”. We would invite Vendors of Hope to join us. These are individuals and organizations that would join us and advertise and promote what they do to help bring hope. We have counselors, the Charleston Center, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Wake Up Carolina, Lowcountry Behavioral, Connie Maxwell, Warrior Surf Foundation, His Radio, James Island Outreach, etc, etc. I could not be more pleased with the “buy in” and enthusiastic desire to be a part of this day of hope.
We are providing a family environment that in itself will go a long way to removing the stigma of mental health. We are not hiding our mental health issues; we are building a festival around them! A person would be able to stop by any of the booths to meet the Vendors of Hope. There will be lots of giveaways, free food and the best music on the Island from our friends Wildflower Station! We will begin at 10:00 am with a patriotic ceremony featuring a color guard and the singing of the National Anthem. The first 1000 people get vouchers to eat free or to have a shaved Kona ice treat or a coffee from “Tom’s Coffee Truck”. Btw, that is a different Tom…not me!
So, who should come to the Festival of Hope? It is not a stretch to say everyone. We all have struggles we live with. Some have minor mental health struggles and some are more serious. We all know someone who has addiction issues. Addiction can be more that drugs and alcohol. Meeting these Vendors of Hope may help us know resources that can help. Seeing all the resources God has put together in one place may be exactly what some need. Let’s hope so. Janie and I plan to be there volunteering where ever Pastor Kyle needs help. Hope to see you there too!
Pastor Tom
