Speak Up is an opportunity for people on the streets to transform their lives. It is a chance to work and earn money instead of begging for it. It is an invitation to replace a mindset of self-pitying dependency with a perspective of self-su ffi cient independence. It is a chance to become an inspired micro-business owner. It is the opportunity to share a meaningful story—in a conversation, in a notebook, in the public forum. It is an opportunity to connect across culture, class, race and background.

Last week as the newest participant finished the training process to become an inspired micro-entrepreneur (“vendor”), his eyes began to tear up with great emotion. “So many people have tried to help me — but never in a way that allows me to feel proud of myself. Thank you.”

Speak Up is a chance to cultivate new mindsets: to replace hopelessness with hope; to see hardship as a chance for growth; to look for opportunity in even the hardest circumstances. Speak Up is a chance for vulnerably-housed people get help without being tried like second-class citizens; an opportunity for self-improvement without shame. Speak Up is positive! It is a chance for people on the edge of survivability to experience a new dynamic: the joy of serving and empowering others. It is a chance to develop healthy life skills, such as punctuality, financial management, writing skills, good oral presentation.

Speak Up disrupts the status quo; it gives a voice to those voiceless, makes visible the invisible, imparts purpose to the aimless, grants dignity to the downtrodden, and builds bridges between classes.

Speak Up is a tool. It is used every day by people who are homeless—or trying to keep o ff the streets. It gives them hope that a better future can be achieved. It illustrates to them that they are a person who can do things, who can contribute in a positive way, who can bring value to the lives of others. It transforms pocketbooks and minds.

Thank you, dear reader, for spending time with this magazine. Thank you for speaking with or buying a magazine from the hardworking vendor who sold it to you. Th at person has chosen a difficult and rewarding path of self-reliance and hard work—thank you for being an encourager in their journey.

Thank you, volunteers and interns, for your hundreds of hours of faithful service in the past year that made all this possible.

Thank you for giving financially to sustain and grow this opportunity. Your gifts make these opportunities for growth, change and transformation a reality.