Radical Hospitality
“Hospitality means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place… it is to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines… Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own.”
— Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out
Supported by our donors and volunteers, we practice Radical Hospitality in permanent supportive housing communities, board & cares, our local clubhouse and the county jail. While we engage people in activities with enriching and therapeutic effects, Radical Hospitality seeks to delve beyond the activity and come alongside people to create and offer a space where transformation takes root and community can flourish.
The adjective "radical" connotes going to the very root or origin of something. It represents a change from traditional forms of hierarchical structures and “once and done” charitable acts. Radical Hospitality is characterized by a posture of horizontality and unconditional invitation, and when practiced with consistency, humility, and persistence, Radical Hospitality has the power to transform not only those with whom it is being shared, but with those sharing it.
Through Radical Hospitality, We Move: | |
away from… |
...toward |
| seeing people as a diagnosis | understanding people’s life stories and life plans |
| hierarchical relationships that elevate clinicians, social workers or staff over clients | horizontal relationships between people; kinship |
| punitive rules or requirements | empowerment through mutually negotiated strategies |
| the sterility of institutional life | the warmth of a home or family ethos |
| prohibition against or avoidance of chores or responsibility | voluntary participation in daily community life |
| social isolation from neighbors, family, friends or community | full participation in community life in all its aspects |
| being “cared for” | caring for others through work, service, purposeful engagement |
Captain Cynthia Bearse, Twin Towers Correctional Facility
“We appreciate the support of Heart Forward LA in Twin Towers Correctional Facility-Forensic Inpatient Program. There are so many ways in which your organization has supported the inmates being treated here for their mental illness.”
How We Practice Radical Hospitality
CURRENTLY
PATH Metro Villa (PSH) cooking classes
Bel Air Board & Care Home community garden and rotations of USC Occupational Therapy interns
PATH Villas at Gower community garden
Forensic Inpatient Program (FIP) Step Down at L.A. County Twin Towers
Alta Vista Board & Care Home resident engagement
COMING SOON
Mark Twain Hotel
PATH Hollywood
PREVIOUSLY
Art classes
Yoga classes
Piano lessons
Chess club
Interested in sharing Radical Hospitality? Learn more about Volunteering with Heart Forward and how you can get involved!