Start with Art

11/25/2025

Veterans are the backbone of our community. They give so much of themselves, often without ever asking for anything in return. As someone who used to work at The Journey Home and as a veteran myself—this mission sits incredibly close to my heart. I’ve walked alongside men and women who were facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health battles. I’ve seen their strength, their pain, and their resilience up close, and it honestly broke my heart more times than I can count.

That’s part of why I eventually stepped away; carrying all of that every day became too heavy. But my love for our veterans never left. So when I get the chance to do something positive, to give back, or to look into the eyes of someone I once saw struggling and now see them doing well—it makes every single hard day worth it.

This Friendsgiving Dinner isn’t just a meal. It’s a reminder to every veteran that they matter, that they’re loved, and that they have a family here in Randolph County. It’s a small way to honor those who have carried so much for the rest of us.

Sponsored with love by Start with Art, Gran's Kitchen and Chasing Sunsets Inc, this event is our way of saying: You’re not alone. You’re valued. And we’re grateful for you.

-Charlene Wilson

Super last minute, but if you know a local veteran that would be interested, please share this info. Thanks!

11/25/2025

We have started on our Wi******er Main Street Majestic Christmas tree !! We can’t to see everyone else’s !!

11/25/2025

Miss Eva was truly an amazing person, someone who always showed up for others with a full heart and open hands. Over the last two years, there have been several times when families reached out to Start with Art in need of support. Each time we turned to our community, Miss Eva, the owner of Jabo's Sports Bar in Farmland, was always the very first to respond: “How can I help? What do you need?”

Anytime, any place—she was there. That was simply who she was.

We are so sad that she is no longer with us, but I take comfort in knowing that she fought with everything she had and beat cancer’s ass with courage and grace.

Please keep her family and friends in your prayers as they lay her to rest today. And please continue to support her business, Jabo’s Sports Bar in Farmland, in her honor. Her kindness and generosity will continue to live on through the community she loved so much.

11/25/2025

Another incredible Mental Health Monday is in the books along side our friends Chasing Sunsets Inc.

This week we hosted a special Friendsgiving celebration, and it was truly one to remember. Gran's Kitchen generously catered the meal, Wes & Wyndsor Event Rentals provided a bounce house that kept the kids laughing all night long, and The Sourdough Studio —thanks to Kristin Guard—surprised everyone with an amazing cookie cake.

The kids had an absolute blast, but the heart of the night was so much deeper than the fun and food.

We were able to provide a full Friendsgiving meal to more than 35 kids, making sure every single one of them was fed, included, and cared for. Even more meaningful, we packed up leftovers so the kids could take food home—not just for themselves, but for their families.

Being able to nourish them physically while also nurturing their emotional well-being is a powerful part of why these nights matter so much.
For many of the youth we serve, moments like these create stability, belonging, and memories of being valued.

We were also thankful to have Centerstone Health Services join us for the evening. They provided mental health resources, information, and support, helping the teens learn where they can turn when they’re struggling or need someone to talk to. Bringing these partners directly to our youth breaks down barriers and helps ensure they know help is accessible, normal, and nothing to be ashamed of.

Overall, it was a night filled with community, connection, gratitude, and joy—exactly what Mental Health Monday is all about.

Check out or next Monday Mental health teen night where we will be doing a cookies & canvas with Berryfied Ceramics/ Paint your own pottery

Click the link to learn more:
December Monday Mental Health Teen Night

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

❤️❤️❤️

11/24/2025

Last night at our Fill the Gap community dinner, my heart was deeply moved. The room was filled with so many different people, business owners, nonprofit leaders, church members, and neighbors from all walks of life, all coming together for one purpose: to love, support, and lift up the people in our community.

We set out a small jar for prayer requests or donation needs, and although only one slip was placed inside, it carried more weight than I could’ve imagined. Written in a child’s handwriting were the words:

“I pray that poor people can have a chance at life.”

This simple, pure prayer stopped us in our tracks. It reminded us why gatherings like this matter. It reminded us of the power of compassion, of hope, and of community. If you have a moment today, please pause and join us in lifting this prayer up.

I also want to say how incredibly grateful we are for the community we’re part of. When there’s a need, there’s never just one person willing to step in… there are many. Even people who are struggling themselves still show up to help others, and that speaks volumes about the kind of place we live in.

As a mother, watching our own children help, serve, and step into kindness without even being asked was one of the biggest blessings of the night. Moments like that remind us that we’re raising a generation that truly cares.

Our heart is full. Our community is beautiful. And every small act of love matters more than we know.

11/24/2025

The photos from our Pictures with Santa event are being sent out by Devon Jones Photography via email either yesterday or today. Please keep an eye on your inbox!

If you have not received your photos by Tuesday, please reach out to us with your email address so we can make sure you get them.

Thank you so much for your support! 🎄📸✨

11/23/2025

Happening now !!! Fill the Gap FREE Community Dinner At the Beeson Clubhouse !!!

11/23/2025

First shift hard at work to prepare for tonight’s Fill the Gap FREE Community Dinner tonight @ 5pm