The Vine - Summer/Fall 2012

by VMP Staff |  August 31, 2012

Therapeutic art

Giving children the opportunity to express themselves

Many children come to Vine Maple Place traumatized by the things that caused their family to become homeless. Often they are unable to articulate the complex emotions such trauma brings., and an artistic outlet can help.

    All the children at Vine Maple Place have the option of attending a weekly art class, designed to give  them lessons in expression. The emphasis is on the therapeutic value of art rather than technical instruction, however many times the class leads the child to an interest in pursuing technical instruction. 

    The art class also acts as a bridge over the summer between school years. Children are able to assimilate more quickly back into the academic year when they’ve had organized instruction over the summer.

    Desirae Cook, Vine Maple Place’s  child advocate, finds great value in the program. “The kids are usually hesitant at first, but after a few weeks they are eager to participate.  We’ve had some great breakthroughs where kids have expressed fears. Once they’re expressed, we can deal with them. I am so grateful to the many people who support Vine Maple Place! Without their help, valuable programs like this wouldn’t be possible.”