How IVOH Conversations Inspire

People often ask me  how Images and Voices of Hope makes an impact. They want to know  what changes come about as a result of our work. Over the 10 years that I have been involved, I have seen  people moved in countless  ways. It often has to do with the connections made through the conversations that take place. It may even be a new thought that comes as a result of being in such an inspired atmosphere.  I personally experienced this at a recent Images and Voices of Hope conversation on the Arts that was held in Miami. Developer and art collector Marty Margulies hosted our conversation at his art center The Margulies Art Warehouse. He welcomed the artists and arts leaders to our conversation, and proudly told us about the hero in his life, his wife Constance Collins Margulies who had founded a residence for homeless women in Overtown called Lotus House. This home for women was one which nurtured and  uplifted these women with art, creative writing,  job preparation, and most important, love. After hearing about this remarkable place, I was moved to contact Lotus House with the idea of doing a television program on the work that went on there. I have since spent the last few months interviewing  these once homeless women as they evolved through the arts, compassion and much more. For me, this is an Images and Voices of Hope inspiration.

For more informatin about Lotus House, visit www.lotushouseshelter.org