Local Non-Profit Brings Education and Healing Through the Arts During National Depression Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Sarni Jaye, 1-757-932-5446, sarni@sarnij.com

HOUSTON – Oct. 5, 2015 – Nonprofit organization Shamelessly Saved Productions is bringing the characters from Charmette Jones’ recently published book to life in the inspirational stage play, My Heart and Hope. The play portrays issues of pain, depression and unforgiveness as a family deals with soul-shattering secrets that threaten to tear them apart. The youth-focused nonprofit, founded by Jones, seeks to bring healing through the dramatic arts.

The federal government has recognized October as National Depression Education and Awareness Month. Unresolved pain and stress often spiral into a chronic pattern of depression, which affects more than 15 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In her creative works, Jones personifies the character of “Depression” as a force that robs the joy, self-esteem and very existence of her central characters. The themes in the play were inspired by Jones’ own painful but triumphant journey through heartache, and from stories of the youth who she mentors. She recalls many of her students moved by the play’s message because they had faced similar issues in their own lives.

Scientific studies have shown that the arts positively impact both mind and body, including an individual’s emotional state and physiology—something Jones seeks to do through her productions.

“I was inspired to write the stage play after I finished writing my novel,” said Jones. “Theatre is a means of healthy expression, especially for our youth. We believe that every child deserves a chance to live a life full of greatness regardless of race, social status, depression, abuse or any other factor that can scar them for life. We aim to break the cycle of self-destructive behaviors that pervade into adulthood as a result of painful memories.”

Jones raises the curtain on the main characters, Anita and her daughter Hope, and allows the audience to witness the volatile choices and consequences that ensue. Raw emotion, musical performances and high-stakes drama meet center stage as the cast gives a revealing look at the destructive toll that child abuse, a father’s abandonment, depression and resentment have on the lives of a wounded family who ultimately fight to find their way back to love again.

The one-night-only performance of My Heart and Hope will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 preceded by a book signing and VIP reception at 7 p.m. at the Stafford Civic Center, 1415 Constitution Ave. The Houston and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Visit www.shamelesslysaved.com/hope for more information.