Finding Hope in Light and Shadow: Reflections from the Hope Noted Summit
Interview by: Anna Kennedy
As we reflect on September/Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—we took time to pause, reflect, and recommit to building communities grounded in connection and compassion. For many of us at Touchstone Foundation, the Hope Noted Summit served as a meaningful space to do just that.
Hosted in Lancaster, PA, Hope Noted is a mental health and grief support organization that creates safe, compassionate spaces and spreads authentic messages of hope and healing. Each year, the Summit invites participants to experience holistic, restorative practices that promote wellness through connection, creativity, and reflection.
This year’s sessions included Immersive Soundbathing, Restorative Yoga, “I Am Light” Musical Expression, Guided Forest Therapy, and Blackout Poetry, culminating in a keynote by Vanessa Simmons of the Embodied Wisdom Institute. The day was a chance for mental health professionals, educators, and community leaders to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and remember that healing begins with rest, reflection, and self-compassion. See the Facebook Recap HERE
We at Touchstone Foundation were honored to sponsor this year’s Summit—not only to support Hope Noted’s mission but also to give back to the network of care providers and advocates who pour so much into others year-round.
Below is an excerpt from my conversation with Madeline Mitchell, Programs Manager, and Casey Flores, Communications Manager at Touchstone Foundation, as they reflected on their experience at this year’s event.
Q: Can you share one overall theme or takeaway from this year’s Hope Noted Summit? What will you carry with you after today?
Madeline: I really appreciated the sense of community that was created in such an intentional way. Everyone—from staff to facilitators to attendees—was warm and welcoming. It felt like a safe space from the start, which allowed me to participate in the sessions and be present fully.
Casey: After hearing the stories shared in my session, I was deeply moved by the theme of hope in the shadows. It reminded me that even in difficult times, light can emerge through expression and creativity. During the musical encounter and blackout poetry activity, I discovered powerful messages within my own poem—phrases like “Last days, near the end, I’m over it. Something good is going to happen; her pain went away,” and “Fly with me, on broken wings, into the beautiful.” These words became a reflection of resilience and hope that I’ll carry forward beyond this experience.
Q: How has your perspective on grief, loss, or self-care shifted because of your participation in this year’s Hope Noted Summit?
Madeline: I appreciated the idea of shadow and light coexisting. It made the concept of grief feel more hopeful, while still acknowledging the heaviness that can be present.
Casey: The safe space created by Hope Noted offered a rare opportunity for those who are often caregivers and advocates to pause, reflect, and release. It was deeply moving to see a community of helpers come together—not to lead, but to heal alongside one another. In that shared moment of empathy and understanding, there was a collective sigh of relief. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down, tending to our own wellness, and the healing power that comes from connection and unity.
Q: Was there a particular practice or moment that stood out?
Madeline: This was my first time participating in a restorative yoga session. I usually rely on high-intensity workouts as self-care, but I’m looking forward to adding slower, restorative movement to my toolkit
Casey: I was especially impacted by the Soundbath Immersion. Though I’ve always found comfort in music—having grown up in a family of musicians—this experience was unlike anything I’ve felt before. The vibrations created an inward focus that felt cleansing and restorative. It was both grounding and uplifting, almost like a full-body reset that nourished my spirit. I would highly recommend this practice, especially for those experiencing stress or health challenges, as it offers a profound sense of renewal and peace.
Q: How does this experience connect to our work at Touchstone Foundation?
Madeline: I’m excited to connect with Hope Noted facilitators about expanding our partnership through the Rise Above Youth Summit and future after-school programs. Our students loved Alisa’s sessions on “The Power of Empathy” this summer, and I’d love to bring more of those healing practices into our youth programs. Hope Noted really reflects what we believe at Touchstone Foundation—that self-care, connection, and reflection are essential to both personal and community wellness.
Casey: It was an honor to share this experience with some of Lancaster County’s most dedicated mental health professionals. Witnessing them engage in the same self-care practices they often encourage in others reaffirmed our mission at Touchstone Foundation—to elevate the mental well-being of those who serve our community. It reminded me of the importance of supporting the mental health workforce and the ripple effect their work creates. Seeing empathy, connection, and care in action at this event reinforced that we are on the right path—advocating for hope, healing, and resilience in Lancaster County and beyond.
Continuing Hope
As we move forward from Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let’s remember that hope is not a destination; it’s a daily practice. It’s also important to recognize that practices such as soundbathing, restorative yoga, poetry, and other holistic experiences can serve as complementary or integrative mental health tools. Most mental health professionals recommend these techniques alongside clinical, evidence-based therapy with a licensed provider—especially for individuals navigating ongoing or significant mental health challenges. Together, these approaches can help strengthen resilience, self-awareness, and hope. By embracing alternative therapies, creative expression, and connection, we can all play a role in preventing suicide and nurturing a culture of care.
Join us next month as Touchstone Foundation and Hope Noted participate in the 18th Annual Gifts That Give Hope Fair on Saturday, November 30, 2025, from 11 AM–3 PM at the Farm and Home Center. Stop by to connect with local organizations making a difference in mental health and community wellness. In person or online contributions accepted find our link and other local non-profits to support HERE.
Together, we can keep finding hope—in both light and shadow.
