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NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS Many Success Coaches teach that the best way to reach your goal is to be able to visualize it, so that you know what the end result actually looks like. Well, Art with Heart can picture the result…I can just see the faces of the children and teens as they move from “I can’t” or “I don’t wanna” to “I can and I just did!”, as they experience the change that comes from artistic expression. I can see inspired adults working side by side with their Art Buddy. I can see broken hopes come alive again as healing begins.
2007 YEAR IN REVIEW We deepened our outreach by offering trainings on how to use the expressive arts to over 200 therapists and youth workers, who in turn could reach countless youth in crisis. Our local Art Buddy trainings taught over 60 artists, writers and designers interested in learning how to use our methods to work with youth in their own neighborhoods. We began the arduous process of putting this knowledge into an “Art Buddy” manual. We are still working on it – it was more of a challenge than we expected to squeeze 12 years of knowledge and passion between two covers. Our reach has broadened: our books are being used all over North America and began to transcend borders, trickling into South Africa, England, Australia and even Chile and Mexico. We still live for the letters we get, which demonstrate so poignantly why what we are doing is so very important and why your support makes such a difference in the lives of children. One of our most favorite letters recently came from Chanelle, a 17-year old with Cushing’s Disease who wrote: “Before I started Chill & Spill, I felt crappy. When I was done with it, I felt happy beyond belief! It helped me keep my mind off my problems and de-stress. It kept me busy and gave me a place to vent and express myself. I cannot tell you how much that journal helped me through recovery! …that humble little journal became a chronicle of my journey through surgery and recovery. No amount of money could repay you for what you’ve given me.” Without your support and kindness, kids like Chanelle would have had a very different experience. And so we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring and for making a difference in 2007! ART WITH HEART HAPPENINGS
VOLUNTEER NEEDED: We are looking for someone who is familiar with Art with Heart to help man the booth at our Post-Valentine Happy Hour. If you are interested and available on the evening of Feb. 15th, please write us at info@artwithheart.org. WISH LIST
OUR HEROES Thanks also to the following organizations that have also contributed: the Madison Foundation for Families, the School of Visual Concepts, and City Hardware. + + + + + + +
DECEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER
SIBLING PROJECT UPDATE “My brother was diagnosed with leukemia 5 years ago when I was in the fifth grade. He was in the hospital most of the time. I still have a hard time dealing with it because my parents started to argue a lot. They’ve been divorced for 4 years now.” As we’ve been conducting research for our upcoming book for the siblings of children with a serious illness or disability, we’ve heard many stories like these that illustrate the need and the long-lasting effect that stress is having on the siblings and their families. Some children become more connected to their families, but this outcome isn’t guaranteed and many are left with feelings of growing resentment. “Annie” shared her frustration with us, saying, “I never get to do the things that other kids do and when I do, they are modified. I wish I could say I went to the park with my babysitter and had a great time. Instead, my brother had a meltdown… and we ended up having to drag him home.” “Sally” wrote to tell us about having to go to all of her brother’s doctor and therapy appointments because she’s not old enough to stay at home by herself. Another sibling, “Michael” told us that he is not able to do sports or many extracurricular activities because of his brother’s epilepsy. His parents are constantly tired and his family doesn’t go out and do things very often. Art with Heart’s new book, due out in summer 2008, will be based in art therapy and will provide the well-siblings a place to safely express their conflicting emotions in the midst of stress and uncertainty. Our goal is to help them deal with stress and adversity, overcome childhood disadvantage and reach out to new opportunities. If you would like to help fund this important project, we are seeking funding from foundations, individuals and businesses that will help us create this book that will help improve the mental health of this under-served population. The project will cost approximately $65,000 and the first printing will help 10,000 siblings. All individual donors above the $250 level will see their name in print on the acknowledgment page inside the book. Make your donation today and be sure to let us know that it is for this project. + + + + + + + OVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER
Molly Zakrajsek, an artist and designer, recently traveled to Cape Town in South Africa to volunteer with a program called “House of Hope” that helps women leave a life of prostitution and provides support and education. Among her clothes, she tucked in a few Chill & Spill books to bring with her. A 17-year old named Dominique received the first copy. She had left school to take care of her sick little brother. Because their mom is involved in drugs and prostitution, they live with their grandmother, but are surrounded by drugs and poverty in their gang-infested neighborhood. In her Chill & Spill journal, she began writing poetry about her world, as well as her personal feelings and struggles. This became a bridge to help her communicate with the workers at the House of Hope, where she spent the night. She read to them what she had written in her journal – “Finally, some adults take me seriously.” This is just one small example of how volunteers can make a world of difference. Molly’s time and effort will continue to touch lives, even as she travels home. Dominique has begun her journey of hope and healing and had found people to trust and a journal that will help her sort things out. Molly left the extra books she brought with the youth workers there and, in time, we hope to hear the difference the books are making to the women and girls in their program!
Art with Heart has begun a new tradition in grand style. On October 25, approximately 360 supporters joined us at the Grand Hyatt Seattle for our first benefit breakfast, The Color of Hope. We absolutely thrilled to announce our first benefit breakfast raised $75,950!!!!! For those of you who missed this uplifting and inspiring event, here are a few highlights:
Executive Director Steffanie Lorig shared how Art with Heart is meeting the needs of children through our effective programs and books and also unveiled Art with Heart’s newest publication due out early 2008 — a Sibling companion book to Oodles to help meet the needs of the brothers and sisters of seriously ill or disabled children.
Guests were treated to a short, yet insightful view of our work in the form of an inspirational video, produced pro bono by Michael Schwartz. Wearing Art with Heart aprons painted by artist and featured speaker Barbara Wollner, our featured speakers Jeannie Nordstrom Jeannie and Barbara shared insights from their life experience with regards to compassion, heart, and art. Jeannie spoke about her experience as a 2nd grade teacher in Appalachia All in all, it was a moving and wonderful event. And everyone went to work energized and invigorated by the inspirational morning. Thanks to all who attended, and to those who were unable to, but sent in a donation to help support Art with Heart’s important work! EVENT PHOTO CREDIT: Chad Brown KATRINA’S AFTER EFFECTS Hurricane Katrina might not be making headline news anymore, but the emotional after effects are still just as strong. Just a few weeks ago, Art with Heart received this letter from a mother who had relocated from New Orleans to Spokane: “Two years ago, we were forced to evacuate our home in New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. In the 12 months that followed, we moved 5 times… There aren’t any other storm evacuees [here in Spokane] that we can meet with for support. “This is especially difficult for my son, who has just started his 4th new school… He is continuing to exhibit the same signs of stress that began immediately after the storm: belligerence, anger and decreased academic performance. He used to be in the gifted program before the storm, now he can barely remember to turn in his homework. Because of a donation, Art with Heart was able to respond immediately to this need to help this family, as well as others like them. Special thanks to everyone who is helping us meet needs like these in our own back yards. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS! The Color of Hope Planning Committee:
Also, thanks to Chris Harrington who crafted our lovely Color of Hope logo and to Michael Schwartz for creating our inspirational video. Thanks to Chad Brown who volunteered to take photos of the event. Thanks also to our volunteers who helped the day before and the day of: Madzy Besselaar, Will Blockson, Ruth Warren, Amy Tran Russell, Tina Snyder, Vicki, Dale and Danielle Dvorak, Patrick Green, Heather and Sachi Wizell, Cindy Chischilly, Judy Suhr, Christine Jackson, Diane Logan, Brooke O’Neal, and Karen Siscel Smith. OUR HEROES VERY SPECIAL THANKS GO TO:
And thanks to the Sustainable Style Foundation for choosing Art with Heart as their Cocktails for a Cause beneficiary for the month of October! UPCOMING EVENTS
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Don’t Miss: The Color of Hope Event! Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 25 for our inaugural Benefit Breakfast for Art with Heart at the Grand Hyatt Seattle (721 Pine Street) from 7:30-8:30 am. Proceeds from this event will serve children and youth who are struggling to overcome profound challenges such as serious illness, homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect. To RSVP, please email or call 206.362.4047. If you are not able to join us for breakfast, you can still support our mission by donating online today! Under “Designate my Donation” please indicate “07 Breakfast”. Does your company have a Matching Gift Program? Some companies offer Matching Gift programs to their employees. Under this program, an employer matches employee gifts to non-profit organizations, such as Art with Heart. This generous program doubles or triples your gift! Inquire with your Human Resources or Community Relations office about your companies matching gifts program and how it works.
Volunteer Opportunities
ALSO: Skilled Volunteer with Donor Perfect experience: Do you know Donor Perfect? We are transitioning to a new database in November and are looking for help to ease the transition. In addition to having the opportunity to consult with experienced people using this program, we will have opportunities for office assistance with data entry. Contact us if describes you! CALENDAR
+ + + + + + + EPTEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER
AwH Launches Improved Website! After two years in development, both our website and our newsletter are sporting a new look! The site’s design was created in-house and developed pro-bono by the incredible folks at the Design Commission, an interactive design and development studio in Seattle. Special thanks also goes to Electric Arrow, who hosted and supported our online presence, also pro bono from 1999 until 2007. The updated site marks an important evolution in the organization’s 11 years. Founded in 1996, Art with Heart has grown to become an important resource for youth in Washington and beyond. Our new online shop is up and running as well. We’ve added many new items, all that benefit children in crisis! So, go ahead and take a look! Oodles of Happy Canadian Children About five years ago, Art with Heart received an email that became the catalyst for helping over 10,000 hospitalized children across Canada. Cathy Diamond, Hospital Program Coordinator for Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation in Ontario had heard about our books through Child Life Specialists at the hospitals they serve. Cathy began with a small order of 50, which received such positive feedback that they ordered 2,000 more to give to the 70 hospitals they serve.
One Child Life Specialists wrote, “I thought I would email you about the joy that the Oodles of Doodles and Chill & Spill books are bringing to the children here at Peter Lougheed. The children have enjoyed the distraction from the everyday hospital routine by using the books. It really does put a smile on their faces.” Another said, “I am very impressed with the imaginative artwork and the tasks in the book. The wording is well thought-out and the concepts are pertinent, creative and appealing. Oodles of Doodles offers children a productive way to spend their time that will extend their feeling awareness, improve self-esteem and increase their understanding of the way in which they are impacted by health issues.” She has been told that “without these donations our unit would not be able to provide patients with such creative and individual activities.” Since their first order, Starlight Starbright Canada has ordered 6,600 more Oodles of Doodles and 2,000 Chill & Spill to distribute, thanks to funding from Toys R Us Foundation, who underwrote the costs to get the books into the hands of the children. Despite the large numbers of books they have provided, Cathy says she still receives requests for more! “They have obviously been a tremendous tool for Child Life Specialists to connect with the children.” They are planning on ordering more in 2008 to help continue to offer this resource to children in need. For children, the ability to share a laugh with family, roommates and caregivers can be the best medicine possible. What is the Color of Hope?
For children whose life experiences have been traumatic or difficult, hope is a crucial ingredient, guiding their priorities and future success, helping provide courage and self-confidence. Sometimes hope arises spontaneously, but it can be actively cultivated to help heal emotional wounds. Art with Heart is actively meeting these needs, one child at a time, but we need your help to make a difference. On Thursday, October 25, Art with Heart is hosting its inaugural breakfast benefit, The Color of Hope, in order to help children suffering emotional crisis. This benefit breakfast is designed to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding youth in crisis, communicate how we are meeting that need and engage more people in our mission to empower youth in crisis through therapeutic books and programs that foster self-expression. Please join us at this special event. RSVP by emailing or call 206.362.4047. Space is limited. Volunteer Opportunities: RSVP by emailing or calling 206.362.4047.
HELP AT THE BREAKFAST BENEFIT: We are looking for volunteers to help us with the following…
Our Heroes And thanks to Iris Kao, Jen Shafi and Heather Wizell who helped us in the office this last week. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks to illustrator Elizabeth Haidle for organizing an online and live auction art show and sale this last month! Special thanks to Andrea Blukis for organizing the online portion!
And to all the folks who attended and donated at Paula & Judy’s Fund-Raising Party for Art with Heart! Together, you brought in approximately $2,000 for children in crisis! Way to go!!! Special thanks to Paula and Judy who donated their home and hospitality to make this event possible. |
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info@artwithheart.org | Copyright © Art With Heart 2007. All Rights Reserved. |
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