From “Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace“ by Kathy Izard
That became the miracle of HopeWay. We started by meeting with a small circle of friends whom we knew had mental health issues in their family, and they would typically end a meeting by connecting us to others. Each family we met would have given anything to help their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, or wives who had experienced mental health challenges. For some, like Dru, it was already too late to help the one they loved, so they gave all they could to HopeWay.
From thousand-dollar personal gifts to seven-figure foundation grants, the generosity we received was astounding. In only three years, we raised $27 million, completed renovations on the facilities, and planned a grand opening.
While Bill had been the business force behind HopeWay, Betsy had been the vision keeper. She knew exactly what would transform the old school into a place of healing. Working with the architects, Betsy and a small group of volunteers had overseen every finish, every fabric, and every detail to make HopeWay a sanctuary where people could recover and feel restored. All of her history came together, and Betsy had finally become an expert at something: making HopeWay into exactly the kind of place everyone would want to bring their own child, parent, or loved one to receive healing.
At the grand opening, there were hugs, tears, and wonder all around. For the first time in my life, I was almost grateful I had grown up with a mom who had a mental health challenge, because everyone was there together for the same reason. None of us would have worked so hard for HopeWay if we did not have the painful memories of watching someone we loved suffer.
“This feels like church,” one donor told me, offering a huge embrace. “Isn’t this what church is supposed to feel like?”