I. The Hourglass: Our Vision

This is not just a quote—it’s a reminder to return to. Because:

Self-care + Connection = Hope

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II. Are You A Hope Dealer?

If you are part of a:

• Mental health organization
• Counseling center
• Classroom
• Support group
• Community
• Advocacy initiative or awareness circle
• Workshop or Course

…you’re already a Hope Dealer.

III. The First Hope Dealers We Encountered

When Translations of Hope began, it was more than a project—it was a brave, relentless, and fiercely beating choice to light lanterns in other hearts when TOH noticed those who dared to speak when silence was safer.

Even with love surrounding us, isolation can still decide to sit beside us. That is when the mind becomes a battlefield, the days grow heavy, and the courage to say “I’m not okay” can feel unreachable. The first Hope Dealers we encountered in 2018 made us smile. Were they Mind Warriors, Hope Dealers, or Ink Gladiators? Maybe all three. Maybe something more. They are unrepeatable, underestimated, and unpredictable Earthians. And still—they came when we began, when called, and when we grew.

Writers, artists, linguists, creatives, photographers, singers, thinkers, and feelers—the ones who submitted not only their work, but joined us in their versions of what made them who they were. The following creatives were part of that early wave—offering translations, time, and thoughtful fragments to what would be our first hope dealers of Translations of Hope:

To You, our Hope Dealers: Cheers! You flipped the hourglass for all of us, and though many might have forgotten all the work you silently did for those wanting to be seen, TOH lights our lanterns to remind you to keep going. You showed us that hope doesn’t always arrive with loud fanfare. It flickers open in tiny acts of courage, in moments of gentleness, and in vulnerability of expression. The Lanterns are our hope that tomorrow can be better than today.

VI. In The Dark: For The Ones Holding the Light

Most focus on those out of the dark because they witness the light in them without knowing the battles they have conquered alone. But we honor the ones still in darkness, who choose to hold their light—for others, for community, and yes, even for hope within themselves, for how else can they light the candles of others?

These are the war-weathered warriors, the behind-the-scenes hearts, and the unseen carriers of compassion. They advocate not because it is easy—but because they remember. Because they weren’t seen when they needed it most. Because they loved deeper even when they lost, survived the storms, and still build from what was left.

Translations of Hope exists for them. To give their pain a resting place. To let their words, art, and fragments of creativity shine with the truth, without performing. To say—you are not only allowed to hurt; you are allowed to matter. You are already the light.

We see the sorrow behind their strength. And in seeing them—not just as advocates but as radiant human beings—we give them something most never receive: a space to belong, not just serve. This is why Translations of Hope is different. It is advocacy, acknowledgement, and appreciation of those who gave others a shelter, a mirror, and a home where the helpers don’t have to be “fine” to be valued, and where their voices aren’t used for campaigns, but cherished for their truth.