Over the last 3 years, I have been blessed to serve as a Volunteer Art Director and Artist in Residence (somedays) at Be Able Community.
Over that time, I have sketched/painted portraits of several hundred people that have found their way by Grace through the Big Room at 5th and Yuma formerly known as a Pawn Shop. Some of these have worked on staff, volunteered from the larger city community, from the streets, been homeless, fresh out of jail, under employed, hungry,… and many of us lonely, suffering, emotionally depressed…and hungry.
Two years ago Bro Dave (Dave Redmon) started showing up to hang out as a Volunteer. I started a conversation: “They call me Good Doc’ are you here to volunteer? Would you help me listen to an Artist present her work to us?” He said “sure” and has been listening and recording and documenting many of the stories of Turning Points, lives in motion, works in Progress, some just passing through, many on the long journey to a better future.
With very qualified volunteer help in editing, layout, facilitating (Abigail, Megan, Kurstin) a new book has been published called Turning Points. It is a Gift that provides a Window, drive by look into this Space and Family of Ragtag Misfits called Be Able Community. And these books are being given away due to some generous friends.
What I am most excited about is we’re just scratching the surface with many things to come. Almost everyone here in this place has experienced trauma in many different ways, with varying symptoms, history and pain. The good news is that Hope is Real, Progress is Happening, Lives have been significantly Healed… But we are learning and growing and loving with what we have and yet want to do more. Art Therapy, Drama Therapy, Music, Writing, Gardening, Storytelling, Building, Knitting… we’ve tasted and now we want to grow and do more and love better. So Be Able Arts needs help come and join us if you are so inclined! Much more to follow in weeks and months ahead. Watch Out, it’s not always a pretty picture. Soli Deo gloria!
