Last Saturday evening, Hope For The Day Partner in Prevention, Matthew Hoffman held the “it’s ok” exhibition opening at the You Are Beautiful headquarters for Mental Health Awareness Month. Guests were greeted with smiles and kindness when they walked in and given a special “it’s ok not to be ok” token. This token was meant for guests to keep and remind them that it’s ok not to be ok, no matter what they’re going through. Hoffman’s new and archived works were installed along the walls with his constant theme of “you are beautiful” along with his new work, displaying the phrase “it’s ok”. Last year, Hoffman created a large “it’s ok not to be ok” installation in our social enterprise, Sip of Hope Coffee Bar, the world's first coffee shop where 100% of proceeds support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.

Our HFTD founder and CEO, Jonny Boucher had his “HAVE HOPE” knuckle tattoos turned into a huge cut out with smaller displays installed on one of the gallery walls. The same design was printed on coasters that guests could purchase as reminders to take action and have hope. A portion of the proceeds from sales at this event went towards supporting HFTD Proactive Prevention and mental health education programs.

We were honored to have the opportunity to provide outreach at this event, passing out resources and speaking to attendees about how they can drive the conversation on mental health. Towards the back of the gallery there was a workshop being held, where individuals could customize their own hoodie, shirt, or zip-up. This provided an incredible hands-on experience that allowed guests to identify with the “it’s ok” message and decide what it meant to them.

To HFTD, the phrasing “it’s ok” holds significant meaning and power because things can feels like a complete mess and that is ok. We must teach others that IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK so we can break the silence of mental health stigma. You can be sad, angry, worried, anxious and that’s ok. You are allowed to feel however it is you feel. “It’s ok” is a reminder to not let anyone determine whether your feelings are valid or not. You are going to feel different emotions at many points in your life and nobody can invalidate your internal and external experiences.

HFTD volunteer sharing HFTD’s mission and mental health resources with exhibition guests

The “it’s ok” exhibit is open now through July 14th. Grab a coffee from Sip of Hope and head over to the YAB Gallery to see these inspirational installations! Special thank you to Matthew Hoffman and the You Are Beautiful team for incorporating HFTD into this event.

HFTD will also be offering a Things We Don’t Say workshop on June 2nd, hosted by You Are Beautiful HQ! Complimentary Dark Matter Coffee will be provided by Sip of Hope Coffee Bar! RSVP here.

IT'S OK: You Are Beautiful x HFTD