The Open Hand logo symbolizes warmth, care, and the strength of a community coming together to help those in need. The initiative has grown into a large-scale project that has inspired thousands. It started by preparing and delivering food to neighbors in difficult circumstances. The logo’s symbol conveys the idea of support and hope.
Open Hand: Brand overview
Founded: | 1985 |
Founder: | Ruth Brinker |
Headquarters: | USA |
Website: | www.openhandatlanta.org |
In 1985, Ruth Brinker, a retiree with a background in food service, set up Open Hand in San Francisco. Her initial objective was simple yet heartfelt: to provide meals to seven of her neighbors with AIDS. Working from her kitchen, Brinker provided nourishment, companionship, and emotional support.
As the 1980s progressed, the initiative attracted increasing attention and volunteer support. As a result, the scope of the operation expanded. Over time, Open Hand’s reach went beyond AIDS patients to include individuals suffering from various ailments, such as cancer and heart disease.
Today, Open Hand has broadened its services to include not only those with specific health conditions but also elderly individuals and other vulnerable members of society in the San Francisco and Oakland regions. The organization now prepares 2,500 meals daily and supplies 200 grocery bags to assist those grappling with illnesses. Each day, the group mobilizes an impressive cadre of more than 125 volunteers contributing to the community’s well-being.
While the organization’s scale and scope have changed dramatically since its inception, its foundational principle remains: nourishing the community with meals imbued with compassion and care. Open Hand continues its original mission of aiding those with HIV/AIDS, even as it has expanded its reach to serve a wider population.
Meaning and History
Before 2023
2023 – today
The Open Hand logo is a visual metaphor for trust and support. At its core are two light-green hands, seemingly caught in motion. They appear to cradle an invisible circle or reach toward each other, evoking a sense of dynamic interaction. The symbol conveys warmth and a desire to protect, as if gently holding something fragile and important.
The color palette plays a vital role: light green suggests natural harmony and health, evoking calmness and balance. The rounded shapes of the hands enhance the feeling of kindness, while their placement leaves space between them, creating the illusion of infinity. This emphasizes the idea of a continuous process of help, always moving forward and never self-contained.
Beside the image is the brand name, “Open Hand.” The dark green letters appear confident and solid, adding a sense of stability to the graphic element. The font is simple, without unnecessary details, with soft rounded edges that echo the shape of the hands. This makes the text approachable and friendly, yet it retains a level of seriousness.
The name “Open Hand” directly reflects the core idea of accessibility and willingness to help. This straightforward yet powerful expression highlights the brand’s mission, which is focused on caring for people, offering support, and fostering collaboration.
The emblem appears light and modern, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Its elements blend seamlessly, creating a universally understandable image. It is an invitation to connect, expressed through the language of form and color, leaving an impression of safety and sincerity.