Creative Recovery: The Use of Arts for Personal Growth and Community Integration Sarah Gallant Recovery Center of Hamilton County Reneé Kopache Mental Health and Recovery Services Board

Agenda  Overview of the Recovery Center & Art Program  Using Art to facilitate Recovery  We are the Evidence – Using Art for Personal Growth and Community Integration Building Relationships through Art  Funding and establishing an art program at your center

The Recovery Center: Overview  Who we are  How we developed  Who we serve  What we do

Recovery Center Overview Con’t  Self Help/Peer Support: –Individualized goal/recovery planning –Support Groups –Peer to Peer Classes –Wellness

Recovery Center Overview Con’t  Education/Vocation: –Computer access and classes –Educational Skills Development –Vocational Training and support

Recovery Center Overview Con’t  Community Involvement: –Community Outreach –Volunteering –Collaborations

Why Art?  Level of talent among those with mental illness  Non-threatening way for people to meet others  Social Activity that also leads to personal growth  It’s hands on which some people prefer over discussion  History of consumer art group in Cincinnati

Overview of Art Program  Designed to meet differing needs and skill sets  Designed to match individual interest (preferred medium)  Goal oriented activities  Members facilitate groups

Art Program: Class Descriptions  “Recovery thru Arts” (goals & objectives) –To foster more of a focus on Recovery through the arts, and appreciation for the role creativity plays in healing. –To introduce participants to a variety of supplies and how to use and care for them. –To encourage increased relaxation and the ability to focus. –To encourage creative self-expression leading to greater self-worth and productivity. –To assist in empowering individuals. After 4 years in existence, this group is now member led

Art Program: Class Descriptions Con’t  Creative Expressions – Goals and Objectives –To create a space where participants can express their creative spirit and learn new skills. –To create a space where work on an ongoing project is possible. –To create opportunities for participants to plan and lead groups, sharing their creative talents and skills with their peers. –To promote healing, greater insight, self-worth, responsibility, group sharing and productivity through the arts. –To create sharing opportunities with fellow artists in the community

Other Creative Groups  Recovery Quilt – Karen Bryant  Advanced Creative Writing – Larry Gross  Scrapbooking – Terry Wood  Soul Story Collage, Creative Expressions – Sarah Gallant  Photoshop Elements – Bill Click  Coming soon…photographer’s club

Using Art to Facilitate Recovery Three levels of connection lead to recovery: 1. Connecting self to self. Art… –Helps people concentrate/helps reduce symptoms –Helps people relax –Thought process (helps with thinking); Stimulates brain activity –Put insides outside (objectivity) –Self-esteem/self-worth –Work through complex emotions/releases emotions

Using Art to Facilitate Recovery Con’t 2. Connecting self to others. Art… –Provides Validation –Helps people establish relationships –Increases Awareness of Self and Others 3. Connecting individuals and group to community –Universal language –Recognition of a larger picture - Special Interests become shared interests

Using Art to Facilitate Recovery  Woven Through All 3 Levels, Art Is… –A way of reflecting on and recounting where we have been –A source of inner wisdom and guidance –A means to repair and renew the Self –Assists in living in the present; a meditation –Helps Create a Path to the Future

Using Art to Facilitate Recovery Con’t  Sarah’s Recovery Story  Renee’s Recovery Story  Video

Building Relationships thru Art  Why build relationships: –Fight stigma –Educate –Generate income/revenue –Enhance personal growth –Network with community - individual members and Recovery Center as an organization

Building Relationships thru Art Con’t  How to build relationships: Look through the past… –Take advantage of relationships that staff/members established prior to the development of the Recovery Center. –Re-connect people that had been active in past initiatives. Be active in the present… –Stay involved, put ourselves out there in various initiatives that fit our mission, that may lead to additional opportunities. Prepare for the future… –Recognize the need to change and adapt relationships as the organization and it’s members change

Building Relationships thru Art Con’t  Recovery Center collaborations: –Art for Life –Art Beyond Boundaries –Southwest Ohio Wellness Initiative –University of Cincinnati’s Design, Art and Architecture Program (DAAP) –Occupational Therapy Program at Xavier University –Celebration of Hope and Heroes, Partnership for Mental Health –Celebrate Creativity Day - Art, Poetry, Music – Community Participation –Mental Health Arts Collaborative – Freedom Center, Art Museum, Photography Project –Individual Artists – connected to resources

Building Relationships thru Art Con’t  Benefits from relationships: –increased access to resources & support Access to expertise Members access to opportunities in the community – opportunity to educate community & fight stigma –recognition Name recognition of Center Media coverage (center & members) –additional funding

Building Relationships thru Art Con’t  Challenges with relationships: –Limited resources (staffing and funding) –Competition for limited funds –Stigma –Member involvement Feeling comfortable in various settingsFeeling comfortable in various settings Access…often times events are during evening hoursAccess…often times events are during evening hours Time commitment…pulls members from center activitiesTime commitment…pulls members from center activities

Establishing & Funding Program  Initial Funding –Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati Grant –Mental Health and Recovery Services Board  Sustained Funding –Mental Health and Recovery Services Board  Growth –Generating additional revenue (grants, donations, etc.)

Posters and Greeting Cards  Generate Revenue for the Recovery Center  Generate Revenue for Artists  Provide a way for artists to give back and interact in the community  Provide an outlet for talents and help persons feel more productive and fulfilled

Posters and Greeting Cards Cont’d  Christmas Cards for Fundraiser  2010 Photography Calendar  Rack of greeting cards regularly for sale in a local restaurant: Parkside Café  Showing of Posters in another local restaurant: – Myra’s Dionysus

Q & A and Contact Information Sarah Gallant, CPS Creative Expressions Coordinator Recovery Center of Hamilton County 2340 Auburn Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio (513) Renee Kopache, M.S., CPRP Coordinator of Wellness Management