We moved into our new home back in January and named it Vesper (which means rest or evening prayer). Our hope is that this building can be a space of rest, contemplation and healing. Over the course of this past year, Vesper has also been able to host some of these meaningful opportunities:

• Front Porch Gathering — a UT sponsored dialogue focused on cultural preservation in the midst of East Austin’s growth and gentrification
• Brown State of Mind — art shows that have given artists of color an opportunity to share their art and voices
• Contemplation — meditation, prayer and yoga during the week
• Inside Books Project — ongoing partner that helps mail free books to prison inmates in Texas
• Supporting Artist Shows — other various art shows including East Austin Studio Tours

As we offer this space to serve our neighborhood and city, we will also need to make repairs over the next year. One of the main areas that will need to be addressed is our very old roof which leaks (quotes are between $70k-$80k). For #GivingTuesday we will be using any donations received towards our roof replacement in the coming year. Thanks for your generous support and partnership!

[Photo by Andrea Calo]