A Photoshoot With Impact: Supporting Healing at Hope Valley

October 13, 2025
Hope Valley retreat center in Licking County, OhioHope Valley retreat center in Licking County, Ohio

This fall, something truly special is happening at Hope Valley — and you’re invited to be part of it.

The Fortitude Project is a photography experience designed to capture women’s strength and beauty while giving back to a place that helps others heal. Each woman who participates enjoys a day to be pampered with professional hair and makeup, a guided photoshoot at Desired Focus Photography in Granville, and a chance to share her story of overcoming.

But what makes this project so meaningful is its impact. A portion of every session helps fund the support groups at Hope Valley — programs that bring comfort, connection, and restoration to women and families right here in our community.

For many women, this experience is more than just photos. It’s a chance to see themselves in a new light — confident, radiant, and worthy of recognition — while helping other women do the same.

Each participant will be featured at an event on November 21 at Hope Valley, and at the end of the evening, she’ll take home a framed canvas print — a daily reminder of her strength, beauty, and importance.

“This is about women lifting each other up,” says photographer Sarah Henderson, who was inspired to create the project as a way to help women see their beauty and strength while supporting others. “When women are recognized for who they are and what they’ve overcome, it not only transforms how they see themselves — it helps others believe healing is possible too.”

There are four photography days available for women who wish to participate, and space is limited.

If you’ve ever wanted to take part in something that uplifts both you and others, this is your moment to shine and make an impact.

See details and join The Fortitude Project here

About Hope Valley

Hope Valley Wellness Retreat Center is a non-profit center dedicated to fostering healing and renewal for women and families through support groups, wellness programs, and community care. Their mission is to provide a safe space where individuals can find hope, connection, and lasting transformation.

To learn more about the Hope Valley Project or to join this year’s celebration, visit www.desiredfocus.com/hope-valley.

A confident woman with silver curly hair wearing a bright yellow dress poses with her hands on her hips against a dark background. The text on the image reads: ‘Fortitude: The Over 40 Project. Hold your head up high! Empowering portrait photography celebrating the beauty, strength, and value of women over the age of 40.’ Photo by Desired Focus Photography, 2024.Portrait feature of Nicole Orahood, a smiling woman with long hair shown in two images. In one, she kisses her husband while holding his face tenderly, and in the other, she poses confidently in a sparkly blue gown against a dark background. The text includes her reflections on rebuilding confidence, seeing herself through her husband’s loving eyes, and her quote: ‘You are strong enough to make it through, so relax and have more faith in yourself.’
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