2021: Year in Review

In 2021, The Hello In There Foundation supported four remarkable organizations—Room in the Inn, Thistle Farms, Nashville Children’s Theatre, and Make the Road NY—that, while distinct in their missions, share a common thread: the restoration of dignity, voice, and belonging to those often pushed to the margins. Room in the Inn provides shelter, resources, and long-term support to individuals experiencing homelessness, guided by a philosophy of radical hospitality that centers compassion and mutual respect. Thistle Farms creates pathways to healing and independence for women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and incarceration, offering safe housing, employment, and a supportive community grounded in love and resilience. Nashville Children’s Theatre, through inclusive storytelling and educational outreach, nurtures empathy and self-expression in young people, encouraging them to imagine a world where every voice matters. Meanwhile, Make the Road New York empowers immigrant and working-class communities through legal services, education, and grassroots organizing, ensuring that those most affected by injustice have the tools and platforms to lead change. Though their work spans housing, recovery, the arts, and policy reform, each of these organizations affirms the intrinsic worth of every individual and creates space for stories to be shared, heard, and honored. The Hello In There Foundation, inspired by the spirit of John Prine’s music and compassion, found in these grantees a shared belief in the healing power of community, storytelling, and deep listening. Their collective impact demonstrates that real change begins not with sweeping gestures, but with attention to the overlooked, care for the unheard, and faith in the humanity of all. In championing these organizations, the Foundation advanced a quiet but powerful revolution—one rooted in empathy, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong and be seen.

Learn more about our 2021 Grantees here.