Healing Hearts
Join us on our mission to uplift and empower displaced Syrian Christians, Muslims, and diaspora faith communities through vital mental health support and creative expression. Art therapy offers trauma survivors a flexible, embodied path to expression, regulation, and meaning-making. When delivered by trauma-informed practitioners and integrated into broader care, it can reduce symptoms, increase resilience, and restore a sense of agency and connection.
Mental health education improves knowledge, reduces stigma, and encourages early help-seeking. It teaches coping skills and prevention, supports recovery, and boosts productivity and community resilience. Effective when age- and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, sustained over time, and integrated into schools, workplaces, healthcare, and public campaigns. Overall, it empowers individuals and communities to recognize, respond to, and prevent mental health problems.
Meet the team and learn our story:
In the heart of Minneapolis, the Basilica of St. Mary stands tall above the skyline. We met in a sunlit room filled with vibrant colors and pictures of saints abound, Debra Korluka, a renowned iconographer, guided her students through the intricate yet sacred art of icon painting. With decades of experience, she complemented her traditional techniques with a deep understanding of the spiritual significance behind each stroke and hue.
Her two students, Joe Sattler and Cicely Matz, brought their unique backgrounds and perspectives to the class. Joe, a talented artist and business owner with a degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), was driven by a passion for visual storytelling. Meanwhile, Cicely, a compassionate mental health clinician, sought ways to integrate art into her practice, aiming to bridge the gap between emotional healing and creative expression.
As their classes progressed, Debra noticed the dynamic between her students. They often exchanged ideas, their discussions evolving from techniques and materials to the deeper purpose of their art. It wasn’t long before a vision began to crystallize: combining their skills into a meaningful initiative that could make a difference in the world.
Inspired by the plight of displaced Christians in the Middle East, the trio decided to launch a charity focused on art therapy and mental health education. They named it "St. Elias Hope International." The charity’s mission was to provide therapeutic art programs for those struggling with trauma, loss, and displacement.
With Debra's expertise in iconography, Joe’s artistic vision, and Cicely’s mental health background, they crafted workshops that not only taught traditional art techniques but also integrated storytelling and emotional healing. They incorporated icon painting to help participants connect with their faith and heritage, using art as a medium for expression and healing.
As the weeks went by, the vision behind their work blossomed. "We realized that displaced communities could solace in the creative process"; they forged connections and began to heal, inspired by the beauty of their shared stories and faith. St. Elias Hope International quickly gained recognition within the community, attracting support from local organizations and communities eager to help.
Driven by their success they expanded their efforts, organizing exhibitions to showcase the participants’ work, raising funds, and increasing awareness about the struggles faced by displaced Christians. Their art became an instrument of advocacy, speaking volumes about resilience and identity, and sparking conversations that reached far beyond their community.
Through their journey, the trio learned that art held the power to connect, heal, and empower. St. Elias Hope International continues to grow, guided by the hands and hearts of those who believed that every stroke on the canvas could brighten the lives of the displaced and restore hope to futures once shrouded in darkness.
Our Mission
Who We Are
St. Elias Hope is committed to restoring dignity and providing essential mental health care to displaced Syrian Catholics. We empower lives through creative outlets, educational resources, and community engagement.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every displaced individual within is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion regardless of religious affiliation or national identity. We seek to provide mental health care through art therapy. We seek to facilitate access to healing and recovery
Impact
Through our focused efforts, we provide access to mental health care and support systems that empower individuals and strengthen community ties within the diaspora communities of the holy land and beyond. We seek to serve displaced Catholic, Orthodox, and adjacent communities regardless of faith or political affiliation. We operate exclusively to serve the basic mental health needs of vulnerable communities, families and individuals.
Art
Our art programs encourage displaced individuals to express their stories and emotions through creative activities, fostering healing and connection within the community.
Education
We provide educational resources and workshops which focus on mental health, equipping communities with knowledge to navigate their challenges and build resilience.
Support
Our support initiatives help meet the basic needs of displaced individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary to thrive.
Transparency
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to being transparent with our operations and finances, ensuring our donors and community are informed about our initiatives and the difference made.
Partnerships
Working Together
Collaboration with local and international organizations strengthens our efforts, broadening our reach and enhancing the support provided to our communities.
Volunteering
Your Support
Volunteers play a crucial role in our mission, bringing together diverse talents and resources that enhance our programs and outreach to the affected individuals.