Cassee, 17
Children’s Residential Treatment Center
Cassie created this piece to represent the two different sides of
herself. On the left is the “stressed out” side, the side that’s
anxious, that feels out of control. On the right, with the cool, calm
colors, is the side of herself Cassie describes as “strong and
content.” This piece can really be looked at as a “before and after”
piece—before beginning treatment at CRTC, and after. Though Cassee still
has moments and days where she feels more like the girl on the left,
today she usually feels like the strong, confident girl on the right.
“I have gained a lot of self-esteem. I’ve discovered that my core worth is unchanging.” –Cassee |
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Chao, Senior
Hmong Elder Connections
Chao’s former life in Laos couldn’t be more different than her new life
here in the United States—it’s been like trying to live in an entirely
different world for her.
Thankfully, Chao found VOA’s Hmong DayElders program. The program is
like a bridge between two worlds, helping Chao balance her old life with
her new life. At Hmong DayElders, Chao is able to socialize with other
Hmong seniors—people who share a common language and a common culture.
“My painting represents my life. I wish I had a car. I want to go
back to Laos. I was a farmer there. The horses carried the bags of rice.
I cut wheat. The trail followed the sun.” –Chao |
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Emilee, 17
Avanti Center for Girls
With the help of Avanti’s caring and supportive staff, Emilee has gone
from a sense of hopelessness, to an unwavering feeling of confidence in
her ability to make it through any challenge life throws her way.
“I have found out that no matter what happens in my life, no matter how
big the problem, that I will always have a hand to help me out.” --Emilee
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Amino, 12th grade
Opportunity High School
Amino immigrated to Minneapolis from Somalia just a few years ago.
Before coming to Opportunity High, Amino had never picked up a paint
brush before in her life. Along with learning to paint, Amino has also
been learning to read and write in English. She’s doing a wonderful job
assimilating into American culture, but she still loves and celebrates
her home country.
“We got to choose what we wanted to paint, so I chose a goat. We had goats in Somalia.” --Amino
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Ray, 72
Services for Persons with Special Needs
Ray lost most of his mobility due to Cerebral Palsy, but he was
determined not to let his physical limitations slow him down. Not only
did Ray learn how to paint with his left foot (better than most people
can do with their hands!), he became a writer, typing poetry, stories,
and even an autobiography, using his tongue.
“Although he has recently lost the ability to paint, Ray certainly hasn’t lost his ability to joke, banter and enjoy life!” –Volunteers of America of Minnesota staff |
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Miranda, 17
Omegon Residential Treatment Center
The title of this piece, “Tree of Life,” is so fitting in that it
represents the growth and new life Miranda has experienced through
Omegon. |
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David, 17
SALT High School
At SALT, David has had countless opportunities to step outside of his
comfort zone and experience the world outside the city. Through outdoor
adventure trips, like the one this fall that inspired this piece, David
has grown as a student and as a person.
“I have become a better student, I get my work done, and I like school more now.”–David |
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Gabi, 17
Avanti Center for Girls
This piece was inspired by the lighthouses of Duluth, MN, and by the guiding “light” Gabi feels Avanti has become for her.
“Today I have stabilized behaviors and am being a leader and role model around the unit. I am even resident of the month!” –Gabi |
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Hali, 17
Mental Health Clinics
“Throughout her time with VOA, Hali has learned many skills and
has grown and developed herself as an individual. She is blossoming into
a happy, mature young woman.” –VOA Mental Health Clinics Staff |
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Various Residents
Women’s Recovery Center
The women who come to WRC have faced some of life’s most devastating
challenges; at intake, 74% of women are homeless, 78% have prior
arrests, 90% have drug addictions, 64% have mental health diagnoses, and
almost all have suffered sexual trauma. WRC’s program design is
deliberately holistic and focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit
in concert.
Through art therapy (like the above textile mask project), and through
WRC’s intense programming, women who thought their lives were all but
over have discovered that healing—and hope—really are possible. |
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Rachelle, 13
Avanti Center for Girls
“At Avanti I’ve been able to sew my heart back together and start over new.” –Rachelle |
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Henrietta
Southwest DayElders
Believe it or not, this is the very first painting Henrietta ever
completed! About a year ago, she took part in a 10-week painting class
at Southwest and absolutely fell in love with painting as a way of
expressing herself and connecting with her feelings. The inspiration
behind this piece is Henrietta’s late husband, who she says loved to
garden and plant flowers around their home. “The flowers remind me of
him,” she said. When her husband passed away, Henrietta struggled with
feelings of intense loneliness. Then she began coming to Southwest and
it completely changed her life. She has been with us now for seven and a
half years and calls Southwest her “home,” complete with a “family” of
caring staff and supportive friends. When explaining why she chose to
paint this piece in such bright and vibrant colors Henrietta said, “I chose these bright and happy colors because I am so very happy here [at Southwest]. I am so very happy here.”
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