A journey of healing & community with the Hope Buss // Intercultural Microgrant Guest Blog
The following guest blog is from 2024 Intercultural Microgrant recipient Nannie Croney & the Hope Buss, who received funding through our partner Kentucky Foundation for Women. Learn more about this project at kyrux.org/microgrants/2024, and connect with the team at thehopebuss.org.
There's something powerful about creating spaces where healing can flourish and community bonds can strengthen. As we plan the inaugural HopeHeals retreat, we're reminded of the profound impact that intentional gathering spaces can have on individual and collective healing journeys.
A Vision of Hope and Healing
The HopeHeals retreat is more than just an event – it's a sacred space where community members can unite, share their stories, and find strength in unity. This year, we're focusing on creating an environment that nurtures individual growth and collective healing. Our theme centers on "Safe to Share: Healing in Community,” reflecting our commitment to supporting each other on our journeys toward healing and empowerment.
What to Expect
This inaugural retreat will feature:
Healing sister circles facilitated by trauma-informed community-based practitioners
Creative expression workshops, including art therapy and journaling
Mindfulness and meditation sessions in nature
Skill-building workshops for ongoing healing practices
Community meals and sharing circles
Optional one-on-one sessions
Evening activities focused on celebration and joy
Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces
Every aspect of the retreat is being carefully planned. We are intentionally creating a space for various aspects of the gathering to be co-created with collaboration from participants. From selecting our peaceful venue to training our facilitators, we’re prioritizing creating a safe, supportive environment where all participants can feel seen, heard, and valued.
Looking Forward
As we continue planning, we're filled with hope and anticipation for healing, growth, and reframing during this special gathering. The HopeHeals retreat represents our ongoing commitment to supporting holistic community health and creating spaces where healing is possible.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our planning. If you'd like to get involved or support this vital work, please contact Nannie Grace Croney at nannie@thehopebuss.org.
Together, we can create a space where hope truly heals.
—Nannie Grace Croney
Development Director at The Hope Buss
Doctorate Student at Spalding University
The Kentucky Intercultural Microgrant Program is a seed grant to support two or more individuals or organizations collaborating across distance, difference, or sector on projects that celebrate and connect Kentucky's people and places.
Launched with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Fund for the Arts, the Monument Workshop at UK, the Josh May Memorial Fund, and individual donors, the 2024 Microgrant Program invests in a series of seed grants (awards from $250-2000) to support short-term projects that foster dialogue, connection, or collaboration among Kentuckians from disparate backgrounds, identities, or experiences. Projects that involve diverse partners and invite the public to participate are preferred.