‘Holding Space’ Concert Kicks Off Walk-In’s 50th

    • It may be cold outside, but we are still feeling the incredible warmth of the Holding Space concert Feb. 9 and 10 by VocalPoint Chorus! Thank you, thank you, for the outpouring of love and generosity that we felt there! To listen to some of the music shared by singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen, view the video below from 2/9/2019 or visit www.vocalpointchorus.org/holdingspace/
    To hear some of Sara Thomsen’s pieces featured at the concert, visit http://www.vocalpointchorus.org/holdingspace

    One highlight of the event was a moving testimonial by Stef, a VocalPoint Chorus member and former Walk-In client. “I was quietly thrilled when I learned that VocalPoint and Walk-In Counseling had finally aligned. It feels like I can finally give them a proper thank you for helping me regain control of my life so long ago,” Stef said. (Scroll down for Stef’s story.*)

    Another chorus member, Jess, told the story of her mother’s mental illness and the heartbreaking impact it had on Jess and her family. These stories were woven into a musical program that moved the audience from pathos to transcendent joy.

    VocalPoint is an auditioned choir of 80 voices that told the story of Walk-In featuring original music by singer-songwriter Sara Thomsen.

    “VocalPoint programs are not just concerts, they are emotional journeys. They call attention to important topics in today’s society and explore the topic in depth,” the organization says.

    Artistic director Jennifer Anderson, working with Thomsen, created an event centered on Walk-In’s mission of healing and comfort. In addition to Sara Thomsen’s pieces, the choir performed music by composers Timothy Takach, Linda Kachelmeier and Jake Runestad.

    What an amazing beginning for Walk-In’s 50th year!

    *Stef’s Story

    Back in my early 20’s I struggled with feeling disconnected from my brain and my body. I was having crippling anxiety attacks. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t manage seemingly simple daily tasks. This was particularly difficult for me to share with those around me, as I had been historically very high achieving.

    I found Walk-In Counseling Center on a tip from one of my coffee shop regulars and it made all the difference. I was able to immediately be seen. They didn’t need to know my real name, or if I had a job, or the ability to pay for such services. They just knew I was a person struggling.

    Even though I had health insurance, finding a mental health resource with immediate availability or the capacity to see new individuals was and is hard. I was eventually able to transition to a caregiver outside of their services who was able to determine my struggles came from likely life-long undiagnosed ADHD.

    I was quietly thrilled when I learned that VocalPoint and Walk-In Counseling had finally aligned. It feels like I can finally give them a proper thank you for helping me regain control of my life so long ago.