Past Events 2026
Second Story Kitchen Gathering and Performance
June 22nd, 2026
There’s something truly special about the way music levels the playing field between generations. In the last two months, the Hopeful Minds Outreach (HMO) team spent time at the Providence Fairfax senior center, and honestly, we aren’t sure who had more fun - the residents or us. Whether they were singing along or playing the keyboard to share their own music, that "stage" became a place of pure connection. Age didn't matter; it was just a room full of people feeling alive, energized, and hopeful.
We do this because music is more than just background sound; it’s a lifeline. It boosts mental health, fights loneliness, and brings back a youthful spark that never really goes away.
A huge thank you to the Providence Fairfax community for letting us share these moments with you since the start of 2024.
2026 Performances at The Providence Fairfax
There’s something truly special about the way music levels the playing field between generations. In the last two months, the Hopeful Minds Outreach (HMO) team spent time at the Providence Fairfax senior center, and honestly, we aren’t sure who had more fun - the residents or us. Whether they were singing along or playing the keyboard to share their own music, that "stage" became a place of pure connection. Age didn't matter; it was just a room full of people feeling alive, energized, and hopeful.
We do this because music is more than just background sound; it’s a lifeline. It boosts mental health, fights loneliness, and brings back a youthful spark that never really goes away.
A huge thank you to the Providence Fairfax community for letting us share these moments with you since the start of 2024.
Lunar New Year Performance at Children’s National Hospital
February 17th, 2026
On February 17, Hopeful Minds Outreach presented a special Lunar New Year performance at Children’s National Hospital, sharing music with patients, families, and healthcare staff. The hour-long program, performed by dedicated young musicians, was thoughtfully curated to bring moments of calm, cultural celebration, and uplift into a healthcare setting. Caroline Su, Co-President of HMO, opened the event by sharing the organization’s mission to advance mental well-being for underserved communities and emphasizing the role of music in fostering resilience and emotional connection.
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Lunar New Year represents renewal and hope. Bringing that spirit into Children’s National was a powerful reminder that even in clinical spaces, music can foster connection, dignity, and healing.
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Thank you to our performers, hospital partners, and families. HMO remains committed to advancing mental well-being through music experiences in healthcare and community settings.
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Check out a few glimpses of the performance here.
$1,200 Donation to Support Second Story’s Teens in Crisis Program
January 30th, 2026
Hopeful Minds Outreach kicked off the 2026 mental health initiatives by supporting Second Story’s Teens in Crisis program with a $1,200 donation, helping address funding gaps created by the recent loss of federal HHS funding.
The donation check was presented to Cathy Benn, Vice President of Residential Services at Second Story, who expressed appreciation for Hopeful Minds Outreach’s continued commitment and long-standing support.
Second Story provides free housing, crisis intervention, and community-based services to thousands of vulnerable youth and families across Fairfax County and surrounding areas.
Since early 2024, Hopeful Minds Outreach has been a proud youth community partner of Second Story, actively engaging with both the Teens in Crisis and Young Mothers programs. Our donation and other support represent a small but meaningful step toward sustaining these critical services and supporting youth mental health during a period of financial uncertainty.
When a community shows up, even in small ways, it can restore hope at the moments it’s needed most. Join us in supporting Second Story's efforts in keeping teens safe in our community.
