The purpose of the exhibit is to share stories of hope and recovery to give others insight, inspiration, understanding, strength, connection, and to raise awareness. All artists are asked to create pieces consistent with this goal.

• Participation in the 2026 Journey of Hope exhibit is open to residents of Sacramento and surrounding Counties. It is expected that you will be able to attend the meet and greet on October 3, 2026 at The MACC art gallery located in Rancho Cordova, CA.

• Lived experience with a mental health challenge is not required for an artist's participation.

• Participation is limited and it is not guaranteed that all applicants will be paired for the event.

• Everyone who sent in a registration form will be notified regarding their participation via email from JourneyofHope@onenewheartbeat.org.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please submit Participant Registration Form below

forms.gle/L2svXWmqkngWfDbn8 

Artists featured at this event will be selected based on completed registration forms and receipt of required images of sample artwork. Please submit 3-5 images of previous artwork as examples of your style and approach; this aids us in the writer/artist pairing process. Registration form and sample images must be submitted no later than the deadline of Monday, MARCH 16, 2026.

2. Each artist will be given a short story or poem (1,000 words or less) written by an individual who has experienced a mental health challenge. This story should be the inspiration for the artist, who may interpret the story in a way they feel is appropriate. A written piece will be given to each artist on or before Monday, APRIL 27 2026.

3. Each participant is highly encouraged to submit a headshot and biography (250 words or less). These will be displayed at The MACC gallery for the duration of the exhibit. 

Please submit headshots and biographies along with the photo release form to JourneyofHope@onenewheartbeat.org no later than Monday, JUNE 8, 2026.

4. Artists will be contacted the first week of June to discuss the progress of their piece and to address any questions. Final artwork must be delivered to the drop off location in Sacramento County (location and time to follow closer to drop off date) on Sunday August 3 or Monday August 4, 2026. If your artwork is not received on this date it may not be included in the exhibit.

Thank you again for your interest in participating!

Please contact us at JourneyofHope@onenewheartbeat.org with any questions or concerns.

Funding Purpose & Request

Journey of Hope is rooted in a belief that healing begins when people are met with dignity, choice, and compassion. This free, trauma-informed community exhibit brings together lived-experience storytelling and creative expression to illuminate the challenges, resilience, and hopes of individuals navigating mental health experiences.

Participation is always voluntary. Stories are shared on participants’ own terms. The exhibit is designed to be emotionally safe, respectful, and accessible to all who engage.

Why This Investment Matters

Community-based mental health healing does not happen by accident, it requires thoughtful planning, safe environments, and people who are willing to hold space with care.

Journey of Hope intentionally removes financial barriers for both participants and attendees. No one is charged to share their story, create artwork, or attend the exhibit. This ensures access for individuals and families who are often excluded due to cost, stigma, or system fatigue.

To uphold these values, philanthropic support is essential.

Use of Funds

We are seeking $10,000 in funding to cover the core, non-negotiable costs required to host Journey of Hope responsibly:

• Printing and outreach materials
  Flyers and community materials to ensure inclusive, grassroots outreach and broad community awareness.
  
  

• Catering for the event
  Providing food is an act of care and accessibility, supporting connection, comfort, and sustained participation—particularly for individuals experiencing economic stress.
  
  

• Securing a safe, accessible venue
  A welcoming space that meets accessibility needs and supports emotional safety is foundational to trauma-informed engagement.
  
  

• Volunteer stipends
  Modest stipends for the three community volunteers who are spearheading planning, coordination, outreach, and on-the-ground support. These stipends honor lived experience, labor, and leadership without exploitation.
  
  

Each cost directly supports participant well-being, accessibility, and ethical implementation.

Trauma-Informed Stewardship

Funds are used with intention and accountability. Volunteer stipends recognize the emotional and logistical labor involved in holding community healing spaces. Outreach materials ensure that participation is informed and consensual. Catering and venue selection prioritize dignity, comfort, and safety.

This is not an extractive or performative project. Journey of Hope is built on trust, transparency, and respect for community expertise.

Impact

By funding Journey of Hope, partners support:

• Reduced stigma through humanized storytelling

• Increased community connection and understanding

• Recognition of lived experience as leadership

• Early, non-clinical pathways to healing and hope
  
  

The impact extends beyond the exhibit as participants and attendees carry forward new language, empathy, and connection into their families, workplaces, and communities.

Invitation to Partner

We invite funders to support Journey of Hope as an investment in community-driven, trauma-informed healing. Your partnership ensures this experience remains free, accessible, and grounded in care for those most impacted.

Thank you for supporting work that honors stories, sustains community, and keeps hope visible.

The purpose of the exhibit is to share stories of hope and recovery to give others insight, inspiration, understanding, strength, connection, and to raise awareness. All story writers are asked to create pieces consistent with this goal.

• Participation in the 2026 Journey of Hope exhibit is open to residents of Sacramento and surrounding Counties. It is expected that you will be able to attend the meet and greet on October 3, 2026 at The MACC art gallery located in Rancho Cordova, CA.

• Lived experience with a mental health challenge is required for a story writer's participation.

• Participation is limited and it is not guaranteed that all applicants will be paired for the event.

• Everyone who sent in a registration form will be notified regarding their participation via email from JourneyofHope@onenewheartbeat.org.

Please submit Participant Registration Form at

forms.gle/L2svXWmqkngWfDbn8  

 Registrations must be submitted no later than the deadline of Monday, MARCH 16, 2026.

STORY GUIDELINES

• Writers will submit their written story about their lived experience with a mental health challenge no later than the deadline of Monday, APRIL 13, 2026. The story will then be given to a local artist who will interpret the story as she/he feels is appropriate.

• All forms of storytelling, including poetry, etc., are acceptable. Stories should be written with respectful and non-stigmatizing language. Stories with foul or discriminatory language will not be accepted.

• Grammatical and/or typographical errors may be corrected without notice. Any edits affecting content will be discussed with the author prior to edits being made. Please check your spelling and grammar before submitting your final draft.

• Stories will remain the writer’s property, however, be aware that as part of this exhibit, stories will be viewed by the public and be published in the event program/booklet. Excerpts from stories may be used for promotion of the show.

Thank you again for your interest in participating!

Please contact us at JourneyofHope@onenewheartbeat.org with any questions or concerns.