Planting Hope

✨A message from Kelly Prater, Founding Director.

After much prayer and reflection, it is with heavy hearts that we announce that Planting Hope will be closing, effective immediately.

For me, Planting Hope has been a labor of love from the very beginning. Every aspect of this organization has brought me joy, purpose, and growth. Through this work, I have learned so much, met incredible people, and found a community that feels like family. I have poured my heart and soul into this mission. I am so incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in our time serving.

Unfortunately, sometimes passion alone is not enough. While I was prepared for the hard work that comes with running a nonprofit, I was not prepared for the recurrence of a chronic illness shortly after we launched. I have done my best to balance my health and my responsibilities, but I have reached a point where I need to step back, focus on healing, and give my full attention to what lies ahead.

Over the next several weeks, the board will be working to responsibly distribute Planting Hope’s remaining resources to organizations serving our community.

There are so many people who deserve my deepest gratitude. And I’m certain I’ve forgotten someone, it’s taken me days to get my thoughts together and make them make sense while my brain is on strike, so if I have, PLEASE forgive me 🙏

Thank you to Mitzi Turner Poynter who first introduced me to outreach work and helped plant the seed for all of this. 🌳

Thank you to Ashley Nicole, my sounding board from the beginning, who encouraged me, believed in me, and showed up every step of the way. She was the cofounder of this whole endeavor.

Thank you to Samantha Stringer and Laura Catherine Combs, our fellow founding directors, who jumped in headfirst without hesitation. They brought notebooks, ideas, determination, and a willingness to step far outside their comfort zones to make this vision a reality.

Thank you to Meghan Gilmore (who I can’t tag) and Gail Cummins, who welcomed me, guided me, and shared their knowledge.
Megan, especially, has been my right-hand woman throughout this entire journey. The amount of time, effort, and dedication she has given behind the scenes is impossible to measure. I truly could not have done this without her.
Thank you to Misty Wade, one of our biggest supporters from the very first phone call.
⭐️⭐️⭐️If you are doing big things..get you some people that bring your name up at tables you are not sitting at…these three ladies were the absolute best at that!! ❤️❤️

Thank you to my family, the best “voluntolds” anyone could ask for. A special thank you to Ray Prater, who faithfully assembled countless kits and was my side kick at so many trainings and events, and Josh Prater, who never hesitated to step in and help wherever needed, he may have grumbled a lil while he was doing it , but he did it(and i secretly think he enjoyed it way more than he let on 🤣) My family has filled the gaps more times than I can count.

I also want to thank every organization that welcomed us through your doors for trainings, resource distribution, and community partnerships. It was truly a pleasure to collaborate with all of you.

Pulaski County has one of the most remarkable recovery communities anywhere. We were welcomed into spaces where harm reduction is not always understood or embraced, yet our community consistently demonstrated compassion, education, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. That has always made me proud. The people in this community are some of the finest you’ll ever meet, and I am honored to call so many of you friends.

To everyone who donated supplies, financial support, or your valuable time—thank you. It’s easy to say you’ll help. It’s something entirely different to invest your resources and energy into a cause, especially one that is often misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. You made this work possible.

When you are doing hard things there are always more critics than encouragers. If you have been an encourager along the way, you better believe I will NEVER forget that!! 😘😘

I am sad to close the door on this chapter, but I am a firm believer that if we do not take care of ourselves we will not be able to fully show up for others.

With so much love and gratitude,

Kelly Prater ❤️
Founding Director
Planting Hope

We are unsure how these changes will affect community partners but we are so thankful for our friends at Target 4- Region 6 and all they have done for us since we started.

❤️

An ending is not the end. 💙

Embracing recovery programs is a courageous step towards a better tomorrow! Whether you're overcoming substance use or mental health challenges, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Celebrate your decision to prioritize self-care and know that you're capable of transformation. Kudos to those who take the first step towards a more empowered you!

What have you learned from the harm reduction movement? Share with us in the comments or at https://forms.gle/Uc8DCLbaDSMFv5Va7

📖 Starting next week, we will be hosting a Bible Study here every Thursday from 3:00–4:00 PM! Everyone is welcome to come join us for fellowship, encouragement, and time in God’s Word. We look forward to seeing you there! 🙏