Hope Bridges resolves to love oneself

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

After inspiration emanated from a blog post, the Hope Bridges Society is embracing the concept to love yourself for the new season, with hopes of continuing last year’s success that doubled in number of participants, showed a noticeable increase in volunteer efforts, and saw the swelling of the non-profit’s presence in Strathmore and Wheatland County.
Now that the program line-up has launched for 2016, the community-based initiative carried on some fan favourites along with a new drawing program and new facilitators. As registrations nearly doubled since 2014, reaching almost 300, the organization faces rapidly growing demand and a required proactive approach.
“Part of this season is to focus on resolution, as in resolve to love yourself, and that’s something that we want to say quite a bit,” said Wanda Reinholdt, program coordinator with the Hope Bridges Society.
“We’ve been going out into the community and our board has been doing a tremendous job doing presentations, doing a video, and we’ve had great response. But we need continued response. Our needs are bigger… and that’s why I say we need the community to come around us on a regular basis. We are working on being more intentional and going out and connecting with people.”
Reinholdt was motivated by a recent post submitted by the society’s blogger. After switching out Christmas decorations for Valentine’s decor, the theme to love oneself, was a fail-safe choice for this season’s theme.
While much of the success experienced last year can be attributed to more community-based art projects – such as the painted quilts – the society will continue to educate the public on their projects and their organization.
Subsequent to an increase in participants and requests for specific measures, the Hope Bridges Society answered their patrons’ calls and established a Zentangle club that meets once a month. The programs also include Go Green Upcycling, Sing Your High Note, and Knitting and Crocheting Folk Art. New for 2016, residents will finally be able to participate in a Drawing: Studies in Perspective class – which had been requested previously.
Apart from the influx in registration, volunteers have also flocked to the society to donate their time. As of last year, the organization stood strong with 30 regular volunteers and more during special events. Reinholdt suspects the downswing in the economy may have contributed to the growth in interest.
“We already have a couple volunteers come to us out of the gate,” she said.
“It’s tough times for people. One of those individuals that lost their jobs in oil and gas came to us and said ‘you know what, I just want to volunteer with you guys.’ The people still want to give, and they want to feel like they’re doing something.”
The Hope Bridges Society is working on increasing their presence within Wheatland County. Further information regarding programming can be found on their website at www.hopebridges.ca.