​Dear Friends,

I never gave the word “Yes” much thought before.  It was simply an affirmative reply to a question, or the opposite of “No.”  And surely, “No” is more frequently the word of choice.
 
So, naturally, that’s what Jules assumed he would hear when he applied to our Varis Scientific Glassblowing Program.  After all, he first heard about the program after the application deadline.  And he had no glass experience. And, and, and…  “No” is what he always has heard. 
 
The word “Yes” only contains three letters, but the power of its meaning can change the world when spoken.
 
Jules is a young father who has been working as a driver for several years.  He is seeking a more promising future so he can stay connected to his daughter.  Thanks to the generosity of our donors we were able to say “Yes” to him, to his future, to his daughter.  He is one of the most promising students in the program this year.  We expect that he’ll hear many more yeses following his graduation.
 
Your generous donations allow us to say “Yes” much more often. 
 
Your donation of $200 will mean we can say “Yes” to a local nonprofit asking if they can bring a group over for an hour workshop after school.  And $2,500 will allow us to say a resounding “Yes” to 15 students wanting to participate in a 10-week residency. 
 
At a time when too many are hearing “No”, we look to you for a “Yes.”   

​With our best wishes this holiday season,

Barbara Heisler
Executive Director

This article about GlassRoots Varis Scientific Glassblowing Apprentice Program, penned by ED Barbara Heisler, appeared in the November issue of FUSION: The Journal of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society.