Hope Bridges Society is a non profit organization in Strathmore and Wheatland County that uses music and arts as a tool for connection amongst all people. Our vision is of a strong and inclusive community where everyone is valued and everyone is welcome.
Hope Bridges Society is a non profit organization in Strathmore and Wheatland County that uses music and arts as a tool for connection amongst all people. Our vision is of a strong and inclusive community where everyone is valued and everyone is welcome.
Our Story
Hope Bridges Society is a community based (Strathmore and Wheatland County) not for profit organization that grew out of Project HOPE, a therapeutic program offered to students in the Golden Hills School Division.
We use the universal language of music and the arts to inspire friendship and connection in our community, with a particular focus on inclusion of adults who experience isolation for any number of reasons, including disability or being of older age.
We offer inclusive music and arts bases classes, workshops and art kits for all adults. All Hope Bridges Society activities are facilitated with a goal of breaking down barriers. At the heart of our organization is the knowledge that everyone belongs. We make everyone welcome.
At Hope Bridges Society, we are advocates of inclusion of all people in community. It is our commitment to keep listening, learning and working together to do the best we can to build a stronger and more connected community for everyone.
Our Story
Hope Bridges Society is a community based (Strathmore and Wheatland County) not for profit organization that grew out of Project HOPE, a therapeutic program offered to students in the Golden Hills School Division.
We use the universal language of music and the arts to inspire friendship and connection in our community, with a particular focus on inclusion of adults who experience isolation for any number of reasons, including disability or being of older age.
We offer inclusive music and arts bases classes, workshops and art kits for all adults. All Hope Bridges Society activities are facilitated with a goal of breaking down barriers. At the heart of our organization is the knowledge that everyone belongs. We make everyone welcome.
At Hope Bridges Society, we are advocates of inclusion of all people in community. It is our commitment to keep listening, learning and working together to do the best we can to build a stronger and more connected community for everyone.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision (Why) – Hope Bridges Society uses creative expression to foster meaningful relationships and change perception of difference, thereby fighting for inclusion. Rooted in the knowledge that everyone belongs, we model inclusion and valued citizenship in everything we do.
Mission (How) – Incorporating a spirit of hospitality and a standard of excellence, Hope Bridges will facilitate the connection of community members through inclusive arts activities where there is no right or wrong, and where we are all uniquely valued. Hope Bridges will work to build stronger community using arts programming that promotes connection and well-being through participation and inclusion.
Our Team and Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of community members who share in the vision of music and arts as a tool of connection where every participant is valued and welcome.
Amy and Lyndsey love coming to Hope Bridges. In particular, the love the connection that they make with others while they do the creative activities in Upcycling.
~Testimonial from Amy and Lyndsey
Community Projects
Community art projects bring people together in friendship and connection. Working on a creative project alongside others is a great way to get to know someone new in the community.
Painted Quilts and Trail Tours
The last Painted Quilt, titled ‘Making Connections’, is displayed at the Strathmore Town Office. ‘Making Connections’ symbolizes inclusion (all colours, all skills, and all abilities), symbolizes community and care of those who are vulnerable, symbolizes change in life, in seasons, and our country Canada is represented by the maple leaf.
Since winning the $10,000 prize from ‘Lets Make a Pitch’ in 2014, Hope Bridges Society has hosted 14 workshops and created 14 unique and beautiful quilts all over the town.
Painted Quilts and Trail Tours
The last Painted Quilt, titled ‘Making Connections’, is displayed at the Strathmore Town Office. ‘Making Connections’ symbolizes inclusion (all colours, all skills, and all abilities), symbolizes community and care of those who are vulnerable, symbolizes change in life, in seasons, and our country Canada is represented by the maple leaf.
Since winning the $10,000 prize from ‘Lets Make a Pitch’ in 2014, Hope Bridges Society has hosted 14 workshops and created 14 unique and beautiful quilts all over the town.
‘Belong’ Bench
The ‘Belong’ Bench was created to provide Strathmore and Wheatland County with a beautiful bench for people to enjoy. The process included the donation of the pew by the All Saints & Angels Anglican Church, paint supplies by Hope Bridges Society, and doilies by residents.
Former Strathmore-Brooks MLA Jason Hale purchased and donated the bench to the Strathmore Municipal Library and the Lambert Centre to be enjoyed by everyone.
‘Belong’ Bench
The ‘Belong’ Bench was created to provide Strathmore and Wheatland County with a beautiful bench for people to enjoy. The process included the donation of the pew by the All Saints & Angels Anglican Church, paint supplies by Hope Bridges Society, and doilies by residents.
Former Strathmore-Brooks MLA Jason Hale purchased and donated the bench to the Strathmore Municipal Library and the Lambert Centre to be enjoyed by everyone.
‘Flight’ Mural
‘Flight’ Mural creation was inspired by samples of plastic card murals online. The idea behind the piece is to lift us to new creative heights. Creating the piece meant using recycled plastic cards and an old door for the frame. The process included drawing the colour graph, gathering the plastic cards, organizing them using the colour graph, gluing the cards into place on the graph and finishing with lacquer.
‘Flight’ was purchased by Katy Webster and was first donated to the Chinook Credit Union for patrons to enjoy. It became part of a travelling gallery, which sent the artwork to Mark’s Work Warehouse, Home Hardware, Sears, the Strathmore Municipal Library and Westmount School.
As of 2022, it now has a permanent home at Connect First Credit Union.
‘Flight’ Mural
‘Flight’ Mural creation was inspired by samples of plastic card murals online. The idea behind the piece is to lift us to new creative heights. Creating the piece meant using recycled plastic cards and an old door for the frame. The process included drawing the colour graph, gathering the plastic cards, organizing them using the colour graph, gluing the cards into place on the graph and finishing with lacquer.
‘Flight’ was purchased by Katy Webster and was first donated to the Chinook Credit Union for patrons to enjoy. It became part of a travelling gallery, which sent the artwork to Mark’s Work Warehouse, Home Hardware, Sears, the Strathmore Municipal Library and Westmount School.
As of 2022, it now has a permanent home at Connect First Credit Union.
‘Connections’ Woven Art
‘Connections’ Woven Art was inspired by the idea of working together, and the fabric creates a sense of connection. Donated cloth, a wooden ladder, and chicken wire were used to create this project and the result is a mosaic of different colours and patterns.
‘Connections’ was purchased by Katy Webster and donated to Katy’s Consignment for store patrons to enjoy.
‘Connections’ Woven Art
‘Connections’ Woven Art was inspired by the idea of working together, and the fabric creates a sense of connection. Donated cloth, a wooden ladder, and chicken wire were used to create this project and the result is a mosaic of different colours and patterns. ‘Connections’ was purchased by Katy Webster and donated to Katy’s Consignment for store patrons to enjoy.
Past Honours & Recognitions
Past Honours & Recognitions
Harmony Award
In 2019, the board of directors for Hope Bridges Society created an award to recognize and honor a person or family demonstrating outstanding leadership, advocacy and contribution to the vision, mission and values of Hope Bridges Society.
Each year, the award recipient will be someone that demonstrates dedication to the knowledge that everyone belongs and that every person’s contribution to community is meaningful and valuable.
The first recipient of the Hope Bridges Harmony Award was Chuck Bayley. Chuck has been an inspiration in our community, generously sharing his soulful music in countless settings for many years. He has dedicated countless hours to supporting the activities and values of Hope Bridges Society and is a friend to many of our participants. He is truly the perfect first recipient of our Harmony Award.
Harmony Award
In 2019, the board of directors for Hope Bridges Society created an award to recognize and honor a person or family demonstrating outstanding leadership, advocacy and contribution to the vision, mission and values of Hope Bridges Society.
Each year, the award recipient will be someone that demonstrates dedication to the knowledge that everyone belongs and that every person’s contribution to community is meaningful and valuable.
The first recipient of the Hope Bridges Harmony Award was Chuck Bayley. Chuck has been an inspiration in our community, generously sharing his soulful music in countless settings for many years. He has dedicated countless hours to supporting the activities and values of Hope Bridges Society and is a friend to many of our participants. He is truly the perfect first recipient of our Harmony Award.
PDD Leadership Award
Hope Bridges Society nominated for PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) Community Citizenship Award – October, 2011
The purpose of the award was to honour and recognize individuals, families and organizations for their actions to promote community inclusion and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Hope Bridges Society was one of four nominees for the Community Citizenship Award. The award recognized a community member, business or organization that has shown leadership in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to be involved in the community.
PDD Leadership Award
Hope Bridges Society nominated for PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) Community Citizenship Award – October, 2011
The purpose of the award was to honour and recognize individuals, families and organizations for their actions to promote community inclusion and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Hope Bridges Society was one of four nominees for the Community Citizenship Award. The award recognized a community member, business or organization that has shown leadership in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to be involved in the community.