Strangers gather around tables in a Pasadena community room to share something more nourishing than food—stories of survival and resilience after Los Angeles wildfires stripped away familiar routines.
The Hope & Healing Supper Club, meeting Thursday at Pasadena Village, brings together fire-affected residents for facilitated conversations about trauma and healing.
“Wildfires may have taken homes, routines, and familiar landscapes—but they did not take you,” organizers tell participants in the six-part wellness series designed to support LGBTQ+ adults, though sessions are open to all.
The September 11 session runs 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., following a deliberate structure: guided discussion about resilience, followed by complimentary dinner where conversations continue over shared meals.
Stacie Yeldell, a mental health consultant with Project HOPE who facilitates sessions, argues wildfire recovery requires nuanced approaches. “Mental health support must be a priority, not an afterthought,” Yeldell said, aiming to “craft personalized, culturally grounded programming capable of creating lasting impact.”
Katie Brandon, Pasadena Village Executive Director, points to unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ older adults during crises. “LGBTQ+ older adults can face particular challenges as they age,” Brandon said. “Often they are less likely to have children who might step in and help.”
Project HOPE’s wildfire recovery work has reached over 17,000 fire-affected community members as of May 2025. The series concludes with sessions September 25 and October 9.
“Hope & Healing Supper Club” will run on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 5:00–7:00 p.m. Pasadena Village Office, 236 W. Mountain St. Suite 113, Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 765-6037 or visit https://www.pasadenavillage.org/events/3743-hope–healing-supper-club. Ticket prices: Free
