Our youth and staff tell many stories of achievement and success here at Hopeworks.  Recently, Father Jeff and Patrick learned how to harvest the energy contained in those stories.  The two participated in a conference lead by Jane Magruder Watkins and Ralph Kelly, internationally-recognized experts in appreciative inquiry.  Appreciative inquiry recognizes that the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves form our beliefs and our culture.  To have a culture of hope, which we desire here in Camden, we, then, must always begin with our positive stories of success.  From our stories, strengths emerge and positive energy leads to positive change.  This highly interactive and participatory process gives a voice to individuals and helps them dream about a future of possibilities and opportunities.  Both Father Jeff and Patrick recognize that this process is already in place at Hopeworks and are excited about furthering it.