Donna’s Story (HopeSTUDIO)

In anticipation of Hope Services’ 70th Anniversary, participants in HopeSTUDIO launched a community art project to capture the essence of Hope’s clients, staff and supporters. Just as the project began, HopeSTUDIO artist, Donna, was undergoing back surgery.

Although the long, homebound recovery would make her unable to be on-site, program facilitator April Basuini was determined to involve Donna in the project, and regularly delivered materials to her home for her to work on.

Donna explains that hand-embroidering pieces for the quilt is what kept her going; and anytime her pain levels would rise, she would find fast relief when she focused on the project.

“When I do my sewing, I don’t feel the pain because I see the words each client shared: Dignity, Self-Esteem, Friendship… and it made me feel proud to do something for Hope, because Hope gave me so much.”

Prior to coming to Hope Services, Donna had endured her second epileptic stroke, which had a severe impact on her health, memory and day to day life. Many didn’t believe in the possibility of her recovery. Donna needed optimism and support, which ultimately led her to Hope Services.

In 2018 she joined HopeSTUDIO, where she could focus on skill-building in a supportive environment while navigating the unpredictability of her seizures. “The weaving studio gives people like me an opportunity when we can’t work out in the community,” Donna shared.

Perhaps most life-giving to Donna has been the close relationships formed since the passing of her mother. April, who mentors the artists, has taken Donna under her wing. “April is like my big sister,” Donna said. “I know my mom in heaven is smiling. She wanted to make sure I would always be okay.”

In the studio, Donna is actively improving her weaving skills and learning how to dress the looms. Her ultimate goal is to be a paid assistant of April’s to help further the impact of a program she declares deeply healing and transformative.