Dozens of people filled the new Adorned in Grace Design Studio as they celebrated their grand opening this Sunday. These many supporters came from churches, police departments, farmland, apartments–all gathered here amidst the teal couch cushions and the brand-new sewing machines. They came not just to see the decor, admire the artwork or enjoy the brownies. They came because they believe in this: We are united by design.
Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Adorned in Grace Design Studio
“United by Design.”
These words stand boldly against the white wall, their colorful script shouting to be seen among the mingling, the talking, the eating.
Dozens of people filled the new Adorned in Grace Design Studio as they celebrated their grand opening this Sunday. These many supporters came from churches, police departments, farmland, apartments–all gathered here amidst the teal couch cushions and the brand-new sewing machines. They came not just to see the decor, admire the artwork or enjoy the brownies. They came because they believe in this: We are united by design.
Whether or not they could run a sewing machine, whether or not they even owned a needle and thread, each person had contributed in significant, sacrificial and beautifully unique ways. During the dedication ceremony, Design Studio Founder Linda Tribbett honored many of these offerings–from electrical work to custom cabinetry to ovens and washing machines. Each of these gifts has now come together to create a beautiful, useful space in a way that can only be explained by design.
“United by Design resonated with me because I feel that the girls and mentors are all brought together purposefully by the Designer of their Souls and their God-given love for beauty, whether it be through the dresses, fabric or their own unique bent toward creativity,” explained Linda Tribbett.
Unity is at the core of Compassion Connect’s mission, and this Sunday’s celebration was a powerful picture of what can happen when we all simply give what we can. With their newly renovated space, the Design Studio looks forward to using every aspect to its full capacity. Teen workshops are currently held twice a week, hosted by mentors whose goal is communicate love, value, and hope just as much as creative design. Their goal is to expand to hosting Thursday after-school workshops for younger girls, and begin day-time classes for survivors of sex trafficking. The space also houses the Hands of Hope Resource Closet, which provides emergency supplies to survivors 24/7 through the Portland Police.
Wherever the future takes their ministry, all the wonderful volunteers, known as the “Design Studio ladies,” wanted to communicate on Sunday was “Thank you.” Without the support of many businesses, individuals and churches, the studio would have remained no more than a dream and an empty basement.
However, the biggest thanks and praise, as we were reminded during the studio’s dedication, goes to the God who brought it all together. Linda Tribbett is often known for saying, “It was God’s idea. We’re just making it happen!” His design is always better than anything we could ask or imagine. And it is His design that unites.
