They accept our unconditional love . This is one of the most meaningful things I think I ’ ve ever done . The HOPE necklaces unite us .”
In April , The Healing Place contacted Jewels of Grace saying they had a surprise for the group .
“ We show up in the lobby of The Healing Place , and they take us into the classroom where we ’ d given them the necklaces . One whole wall was covered in our tree art . One of the participants had drawn it on a coloring page , and each one had written her very touching story on the colored pages . We were speechless ,” she said . “ The simplicity of the acorn turning into the oak , that connection of hope – it ’ s an immediate read for them . They ’ ve been through so much , and they hang on to it .”
In addition to the beauty and personal affection of the HOPE necklaces , Jewels of Grace has also taken steps to better the lives of The Healing Place women in other ways . They routinely supply the campus with ‘ big books ’ that contain the 12 step program , as well as blankets and socks for those going through detox . Another group of women makes handmade cards to accompany the blankets .
Last but not least , Jewels of Grace and other members of Christ Church United Methodist collect money for The Healing Place men and women to earn a General Educational Development ( GED ) Degree . Many don ’ t understand the importance of having a high school dipolma and even less have the $ 120 required to take the test . So far more than $ 1,000 has been raised for the GED funds . To help draw interest , Jewels of Grace members made posters to put up in The Healing Place facility stating why the GED is important .
The HOPE necklaces have begun spreading to other communities as well . Norton Audubon Hospital , where Ms . Matthews plays piano each month for musical therapy , had a display of HOPE necklaces up in the art gallery for visitors to engage with throughout the
22 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE summer of 2016 .
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Jenny Branson , Music therapy Services Supervisor at Norton Audubon , commented on the HOPE necklaces and how much they ’ re loved . “ We have been so pleased to share the HOPE exhibit this summer ! Visitors to the art gallery on the second floor have learned so much about the outreach and support provided by HOPE and The Healing Place . The stories are a wonderful extension of the patient journeys that we witness as we care for patients in rehabilitation programs and the neonatal intensive care unit .”
In addition , a grade school friend of Paula Matthews ’ who is now living in Arkansas reached out , saying her church group was interested in doing something similar to the HOPE necklaces for prison ministry
and children of abuse . The Louisville Jewels of Grace group has created a sturdy foundation that other groups can adapt and spread hope in their communities .
A few months back , Jewels of Grace received an email from Marla Highbaugh , Director of Communications at The Healing Place which read : “ Our staff met on Thursday for the weekly staff meeting , and one of the women who was petitioning to leave the program ( something each woman has to do before leaving recovery to prove she ’ s ready ) to begin her transition into her next step , was wearing her HOPE necklace . As she nervously told the staff her story and why she felt it was time for her to move on , she held her necklace and said it gave her hope ! She said that the ladies who made that necklace are praying for her and she almost cried . Thank you for making a difference .”
If you ’ re interested in making a difference in the lives of The Healing Place women , there are two ways . The first is to donate to the facility directly . Information about The Healing Place donations can be found at www . thehealingplace . org / donate . To donate directly to Jewels of Grace , a check can be sent to Christ Church United