Here Tomorrow Painting

At Here Tomorrow, we view art as a meaningful way to communicate hope and healing. Recently, we collaborated with artists Brooke and Chase Lawrence to create a powerful painting that symbolizes the journey of overcoming mental health struggles. 

Now proudly displayed in our meeting place, this piece beautifully captures our mission: to be a beacon of support and a source of hope for those in need. We sat down with Brooke and Chase to dive deeper into the inspiration behind their mural and the symbolism woven into their artwork.

The Artists Behind the Artwork

Brooke and Chase Lawrence met in college while pursuing the same art degree, and their creative journey has been intertwined ever since. Though they started their careers as individual artists, their partnership grew naturally after graduation, and they began working together as one creative force. 

“We’ve been working together since 2019, and everything just flowed very naturally,” said Chase. Now, the duo works seamlessly, creating their pieces interchangeably and simultaneously – an approach that some might find hard to grasp but one that works perfectly for them.

Initially known for their landscape paintings, Brooke and Chase have more recently pivoted toward contemporary art. This shift gave them the creative freedom to explore new themes and techniques, ultimately leading to their inspiring mural for Here Tomorrow.

From Conversation to Creation

The inspiration for their mural stemmed from meaningful conversations with the Here Tomorrow team, who shared their stories about emotional struggles and hope. “It was natural to think of an image of people coming out of a storm,” said Chase, the older brother of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

With this vision in mind, Brooke and Chase created a majestic landscape that reflects the transition from darkness to light, incorporating a European-inspired classical style. The painting features a stormy sky clearing into a peaceful, sunny scene, symbolizing the journey of overcoming mental health struggles. 

“Here Tomorrow is that rainbow that brings people out to the other side, showing them that life is worth living,” said Brooke. “We wanted to remind people that even in their darkest moments, they are not alone and that there’s always a path toward healing and light.”

Bringing the Concept to Life

Brooke and Chase approached the painting with a clear vision: to create a piece that feels both timeless and deeply personal. They aimed for a traditional yet dramatic style, using depth, texture, and lighting to evoke strong emotions.

“We wanted it to tell an all-encompassing, relatable story that everyone can see themselves in,” said Brooke. The painting features a neon-orange lifeboat, symbolizing those who have made it through the storm, while the empty boats represent those lost to mental illness. 

Silhouetted figures evolved naturally during the creative process. “It just kind of happened,” Chase said. “We realized the figures had this soldier-like energy, which fit perfectly with Here Tomorrow’s work with veterans and first responders.”

Every element was chosen to resonate with viewers and help them reflect on their own experiences of hardship and healing. They added intense texture to the painting, which Chase described as having “peaks and valleys,” giving the piece even more depth and dimension.

The Core Message of Hope

At its core, the painting embodies hope and resilience. The ray of light breaking through the clouds signifies that even in the darkest times, there is a way forward. Brooke and Chase wanted this message to resonate with everyone who views the artwork, particularly those connected to Here Tomorrow.

With mental health in the spotlight now more than ever, this artwork is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and finding support. “Even if they’re feeling incredibly hopeless and lost, we want people to feel some ray of hope,” Brooke said. “We want them to know that there’s an honest, true, and safe support system for them at Here Tomorrow.”

Spreading the Message Through Merchandise

Recently, our team launched merchandise featuring the artwork, extending the message even further. The artists believe the merchandise can inspire conversations about mental health. 

“Seeing the image, even if reproduced and printed on merchandise, people will ask questions,” Brooke said. “When someone starts to feel that there is hope and a support system, they are more likely to open up.”

Support Here Tomorrow’s Mission

Brooke and Chase Lawrence’s artwork for Here Tomorrow is not just a painting; it’s a story of resilience, hope, and community support. By purchasing merchandise featuring this inspiring piece, you contribute to the ongoing mission of Here Tomorrow and help spread awareness about mental health. 

Join us in supporting this incredible cause and bringing hope into our communities. Explore the Here Tomorrow shop today and see how you can give back.

For suicide prevention day, the city is working on a way to help others that may be thinking about suicide. They are offering suicide prevention training to its employees in memory of a former coworker who died by suicide. The training includes resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and aims to destigmatize conversations about suicide.

Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSlM5ZphiKE

September 3, 2024

 

CITY OF NEPTUNE BEACH, HERE TOMORROW TEAM UP ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY AND THROUGHOUT NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

 

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – The City of Neptune Beach is honoring a former employee by partnering with local nonprofit Here Tomorrow throughout National Suicide Prevention Month.

Suicide prevention awareness is spreading all September long, highlighted by QPR training on September 10 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Neptune Beach City Hall (116 1st Street).

 

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer. Much like CPR, it saves lives, teaching how to identify and support individuals in crisis.

 

On World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown will join other elected officials and staff members from the Cities of Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach to learn from Here Tomorrow’s certified QPR instructors.

 

“The City of Neptune Beach is incredibly proud to have the Here Tomorrow organization as a vital part of our community,” said Mayor Brown. “Their unwavering dedication and essential services play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of our residents. We recognize their profound impact and are grateful for their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of so many.”

 

Mayor Brown and her staff are training in honor of Miklos Stoffel. On May 16, 2023, Stoffel died by suicide while serving as the city’s chief information officer. He was 50 years old.

 

Beginning at 10:15 am on September 10, Mayor Brown and Here Tomorrow education & training manager Jess McCrosky will be available for media interviews.

 

Here Tomorrow is conducting two other QPR trainings this month that are free and open to the public. They will occur on September 4 and September 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Here Tomorrow’s main office in Neptune Beach (910 3rd Street). Here Tomorrow is also sponsoring the North Beaches Art Walk on September 19 from 5 to 9 pm at Beaches Town Center (200 1st Street).

 

The City of Neptune Beach and Here Tomorrow’s suicide prevention efforts are funded by the Florida League of Mayors. Mayor Brown and Here Tomorrow leaders received a $2,500 City Catalyst Grant on August 14 at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference in Hollywood, Fla.

 

Media Contact

Joshua Rey: 786-554-5667, Joshua.Rey@heretomorrow.org

 

Photo Caption (L-R)

Celebrating a $2,500 City Catalyst Grant are Here Tomorrow founder Joe Kenney, Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown, Here Tomorrow director of peer services Amanda Frankenfield, Here Tomorrow executive director Tracee Holzendorf and Florida League of Mayors Past President Scott Brook.

 

About the City of Neptune Beach

Welcome to the City of Neptune Beach – a small, quiet coastal community nestled on the northeast coast of Florida between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Neptune Beach has a comfortable, casual and laid-back atmosphere that invites people of all ages to enjoy the beach and other areas of natural beauty. The hard-packed sand is great for cycling and the waves are ideal for surfing. 

 

About Here Tomorrow

The mission of Here Tomorrow is to transform lives by building a community where suicide prevention is accessible without barriers. Here Tomorrow’s recovery peers have supported more than 2,000 individuals in crisis at no cost and with no wait. All Here Tomorrow services are no cost through an entire year for friends (those feeling hopeless or suicidal) and family (those concerned for a loved one). Here Tomorrow is open to adults and teenagers 365 days a year at 910 3rd Street in Neptune Beach and (904) 372-9087.

At Here Tomorrow, we believe in the power of community to support and uplift one another. We recently hosted the Gather to Honor Memorial Event in line with our mission to prevent suicide, particularly within the military community in Jacksonville. 

This event was dedicated to honoring fallen military personnel and first responders, recognizing their sacrifices, and reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who continue to serve.

Gather To Honor Military and First Responders

The Gather to Honor Memorial Event was created to bring the Jacksonville community together in remembrance and support. We hoped to honor not only those who have lost their lives in active service but also those who felt there was no hope and died by suicide. 

“As someone who has personally felt the loss of friends in and out of the military, I understand the profound impact of their sacrifice,” said Here Tomorrow Military Support Peer Specialist Mariel Acosta. “I attended this event last year as a spectator, and it moved me deeply. This year, it was important to make the event as inclusive as possible, honoring both active and veteran military and first responders.”

Planning and organizing this event required the dedication of our entire team. Mariel worked closely with Brannon Hicks, our Military & First Responder Program Manager, to collaborate with local organizations like the VFW, American Legion, Rotary Club, local police and firefighter departments, and active-duty seamen in Mayport. Together, our goal was to ensure that no one felt alone.

Making an Impact, One Conversation at a Time

The Gather to Honor event had a major impact on the Jacksonville community, fostering conversations about mental health and providing a safe space for those in need. “Having this event helped our community of military and first responders see that we are here,” said Mariel.

One of the attendees, Clinton Alston, shared his experience of how the event and the support from Here Tomorrow have transformed his life. He successfully transitioned from serving his country to serving his community at Long Branch Elementary in Jacksonville. 

After facing physical and mental health challenges, Clinton sought help at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Jacksonville. He connected with Mariel Acosta and began attending support groups at Here Tomorrow.

“Here Tomorrow has not stopped with the group sessions,” Clinton said. “I’m now linked up with a psychologist and utilizing 12 sessions that are free to me.” Through these support groups and additional resources, Clinton has found a supportive community that understands his struggles and offers hope. 

Clinton’s story is just one example of how our event and ongoing support have made a difference in the lives of military personnel and first responders in our community by breaking down the barriers of stigma and ignorance surrounding mental health and suicide.

Here Tomorrow Is Grateful 

At Here Tomorrow, we are deeply grateful for the military and first responders in the Jacksonville community. Their dedication and sacrifices inspire us to continue our mission of providing support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues. 

We are honored to play a part in offering hope and support to those in need, and we are thankful for the collaboration with local organizations and the unwavering support from individuals who make these appreciation events possible.

Support Here Tomorrow

As we move forward, we invite you to continue supporting Here Tomorrow and join us in our mission to prevent suicide and provide essential mental health resources. 

Learn more about our organization and how you can make a difference by visiting our website.

Weaver Philanthropic Initiative class of 2024 member Entrice Rowe selected Here Tomorrow to receive a $5,000 grant.

Eleven emerging philanthropists have completed the Weaver Philanthropic Initiative, The Community Foundation’s hands-on learning program about strategic philanthropy, and made grants totaling $55,000 to support nonprofits that align with their philanthropic missions.

Read More 

At Here Tomorrow, support from the Jacksonville community is the heart of our mission. We’re proud to announce that Beaches Rotaract chose our organization as the sole beneficiary of its annual fundraiser at Alhambra Theatre. 

Learn more about the purpose of this event, the meaningful impact it had, and why your support matters.

A Night of Music and Purpose

From April 4th through May 19th, Escape to Margaritaville brought Jimmy Buffet’s timeless music to life on stage, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The play tells the story of two tourists at a bachelorette party who unexpectedly find love.

Beaches Rotaract’s decision to support Here Tomorrow on May 2nd was a huge success, marking the club’s first sell-out fundraiser at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining with a crowd of 375 attendees. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auctions, more than $32,500 was raised for our organization. 

Thanks to the Match to Reimagine Suicide Prevention initiative, the total impact of the fundraiser exceeded $65,000.

About the Beneficiary Selection Process

Every year, The Rotaract Club of Jacksonville Beaches selects the fundraiser beneficiary by narrowing down choices from club member input to a board-level vote. According to Beaches Rotaract President Joe Bove, Here Tomorrow was this year’s winner.

Joe’s personal connection to our organization’s mission gives his support even more meaning. “Ironically, one of the focuses this year of Rotary International was mental health,” he said. “For me personally, I have lost loved ones to suicide and am passionate about supporting this cause.”

Joe was one of 60 new donors to our cause, contributing to the total of 69 donors from the event. “Here Tomorrow saves lives,” he said.  “The service is completely free, and it’s a resource that I’d guess less than half of people struggling mentally and emotionally know exists. If they did, it could change their life for the better.”

The Lasting Impact of Local Support

The Here Tomorrow team was grateful to be part of the play’s opening night. The event began on a festive note as our outreach and collaboration coordinator, Maia Savage, welcomed guests with tropical leis. 

Director of Peer Services Amanda Frankenfield also took the stage to express our organization’s immense gratitude for the overwhelming support. She was joined by Here Tomorrow’s founder, Joe Kenney, and executive director, Tracee Holzendorf.

Learn More About Here Tomorrow

The outpouring of love and support we received through this event was truly remarkable, and our team is grateful for the amazing people who made it possible. Our community’s generous contributions have made a difference and brought hope and healing to those in need.

With your help, we can continue making a profound impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. Learn more about Here Tomorrow and how you can make a difference here.