Strings for Hope: A Personal Journey of Growth and Impact
The 2024 ABA Gives Back recipient organization gives a heartwarming update one year later.
At ABA Marketplace 2024 in Nashville, TN, Strings for Hope was honored as the recipient of ABA Gives Back, a moment that marked a turning point for our organization. Since then, we’ve grown in ways I never could have imagined. As CEO, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible transformations within our survivors’ community.
Growth Through Partnerships and Programs
Reflecting on the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities that have come our way. Thanks to the support from ABA and the travel industry, we’ve tripled our work with conferences and tour groups, creating unique, hands-on experiences that connect visitors to our mission. Our Workforce Development Program has employed 21 survivors; an incredible 69% have successfully completed or are currently enrolled.
One of our most significant milestones has been launching a state-registered two-year apprenticeship program. We wanted to ensure that our participants don’t just learn a skill but leave with industry-recognized credentials and the tools for financial independence. Seeing survivors take control of their futures has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Transforming Lives, One String at a Time
For me, the most powerful part of this work is the people we serve. One of our participants, T., expressed it best:
“At Strings for Hope, you get to help other people who have gone through what you’ve gone through. It’s always so great to see how people grow and change over time. It’s a place to gain your confidence back after you’ve been through hard situations.”
Hearing these stories reinforces why we do what we do. Last year alone, we saw a 700% increase in jewelry-making skills among participants, and many have moved on to stable, long-term careers. This is more than just a job for them—it’s a new beginning.
Innovating to Elevate the Customer Experience
We’ve also been expanding our product line to offer something special to those visiting us. One of our most exciting new projects is a custom jewelry experience featuring guitar strings from local artists, exclusively crafted for tour groups. Every piece tells a story—not just of Nashville’s rich music culture but of resilience and hope. Each piece comes with a letter of authenticity, making it a meaningful keepsake for visitors.
Engaging the Community Through Volunteerism
Another area of growth has been expanding our volunteer opportunities. We’ve welcomed more people into our mission, offering them the chance to teach finance, music therapy, parenting, and other essential life skills. Seeing our community step up to mentor survivors has been genuinely inspiring. It’s incredible to witness the connections being made—people sharing their knowledge and time to help someone else rebuild their life.
Looking Beyond Nashville
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibility of expanding beyond Nashville. We’ve started building relationships with tourism organizations and residential facilities in other cities, to bring the Strings for Hope model to new communities. Every city has its own unique needs, but the core of what we do—empowering survivors through meaningful work—can be adapted anywhere. We plan to explore expansion more deeply in 2026.
Shaping the Future with Supporter Feedback
Our journey wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our community. We’ve learned that groups visiting our city make our mission possible, and we want to bring them into our world even more. That’s why we’re focusing on immersive, hands-on experiences—jewelry-making classes, private group sessions, and custom designs that tie into Nashville’s music scene.
Finally, I must extend a special thank you to Kat & Terry. They’ve been more than supporters—mentors and true friends. Having people like them in our corner reminds us that we’re not in this alone.
As we continue this journey, I am filled with hope. The impact of Strings for Hope is growing, and with the support of our partners, volunteers, and visitors, we are building something genuinely life-changing—one string at a time.
