In the heart of Broward County, Florida, a duo of creative teenagers from American Heritage school is making a profound impact on the —s of numerous patients through the therapeutic power of art. The non-profit organization, founded by two dedicated students, aims to alleviate stress and bring joy to those in need.
As noted by WPLG, the group’s efforts focus on pediatric oncology patients, where they engage in hands-on activities such as slime making, goody bag creation, and crafting. This interactive approach not only provides a much-needed respite from daily routines but also fosters a sense of connection and community among the young patients.
The organization’s reach extends beyond pediatric oncology patients, as they also work with individuals — with Alzheimer’s, mental health concerns, and dementia. These patients participate in various art projects, including painting… scrapbooking, and other creative endeavors. Modi, a founding member of the organization, shares her personal experience working with these patients: “My favorite thing about working with these patients is the joy I see on their faces when they complete the artwork.
It’s a nice break for them and their daily routine.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact of art on mental well-being, as it allows patients to momentarily shift their focus from their illnesses and tap into their creative potential. With the support of volunteers… the group’s activities are designed to be both therapeutic and enjoyable.
As Modi aptly puts it, “It’s a nice break for them and their daily routine.” This sentiment is echoed by WPLG, which highlights the benefits of art-based interventions in managing stress and improving overall mental health outcomes. Through their dedication and creativity, these South Florida teenagers are not only spreading joy but also advocating for the importance of art therapy in promoting mental well-being. As their organization continues to grow, “it’s clear that their efforts will have a lasting impact on countless —s,” “one brushstroke at a time.”
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The activities they provide include slime making, goody bag creation, crafting, painting, scrapbooking, and other creative projects.
The organization’s repertoire of activities is designed to cater to a wide range of creative interests and abilities. Slime making, for instance, is a hit with pediatric oncology patients, who enjoy the tactile experience of mixing and molding gooey textures. Goody bag creation is another favorite, allowing patients to personalize their own bags with art supplies, stickers, and other embellishments.
Crafting activities such as knitting, sewing, and woodworking provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, as patients create tangible objects that they can cherish or share with others. Painting and drawing projects offer a more traditional artistic outlet, allowing patients to express themselves through color and composition.
Scrapbooking is another favorite… where patients can combine physical memorabilia with written stories and photos to create a personalized and meaningful keepsake. Other creative projects, such as collage-making, mosaicking, and puppet-making, provide additional opportunities for patients to explore their creativity and self-expression. The organization’s activities are carefully designed to be accessible and adaptable, with staff and volunteers available to offer guidance and support as needed.
This approach enables patients to participate at their own pace, modifying activities to suit their abilities and interests. The result is a sense of accomplishment and pride that extends beyond the completion of the project itself… as patients gain confidence and self-esteem through the creative process. By providing a wide range of activities, the organization is able to cater to diverse tastes and abilities, ensuring that every participant has a unique and rewarding experience.
Whether it’s slime making, goody bag creation, or painting, the organization’s creative projects offer a much-needed respite from the challenges of illness, providing patients with a sense of joy, “fulfillment,” “and connection.”
The organization’s founder, Modi, mentioned that what she enjoys most about working with patients is seeing the joy on their faces when they complete their artwork, which provides a much-needed break from their daily routines.
Modi, the founder of the organization, has a unique perspective on the power of art to transform ⁙⁙⁙s. For her, the greatest reward is not the artwork itself, but the joy it brings to the patients. “What I enjoy most about working with patients is seeing the joy on their faces when they complete their artwork,” she says.
“It’s like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders, and they’re able to forget about their daily routines and just be in the moment.” Modi has seen firsthand the impact that art can have on patients’ ⁙⁙⁙s, and she knows that it’s not just the act of creating that brings joy, but the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with it. “When patients complete a project, they’re not just making something with their hands, they’re also showing themselves that they’re capable and talented,” she explains.
“It’s a boost to their confidence and self-esteem… and it gives them a sense of purpose and direction.” But beyond the tangible benefits, Modi believes that art has a deeper impact on patients’ ⁙⁙⁙s. “Art is a universal language that can transcend words and emotions, and it allows patients to connect with others on a deeper level,” she says.
“When patients share their artwork, they’re not just sharing a physical object, they’re sharing a piece of themselves, and that can be incredibly powerful.” Modi’s passion for art and her dedication to her patients are evident in everything she does… from the selection of materials to the encouragement and support she offers.
She knows that every patient is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and she works tirelessly to tailor her approach to meet their individual needs. ForModi, it’s not just about creating artwork, but about creating a sense of community and connection among patients, caregivers, and volunteers.
She believes that by bringing people together through art, she can help them find a sense of peace, comfort, “and belonging,” “and that is the greatest reward of all.”
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As a correspondent:
I was drawn to the remarkable story of two creative teenagers from American Heritage school, who are leaving a profound impact on the —s of numerous patients through the therapeutic power of art. According to WPLG, the non-profit organization founded by these two dedicated students focuses on pediatric oncology patients, engaging them in activities such as slime making, goody bag creation, and crafting.
This approach not only provides a much-needed break from daily routines but also fosters a sense of connection and community among the young patients. The organization’s reach extends beyond pediatric oncology patients, as they also work with individuals withAlzheimer’s, mental health concerns, and dementia. According to Modi, a founding member… the joy she sees on the patients’ faces when they complete their artwork is truly palpable.
“It’s a nice break for them and their daily routine,” she affirms. This sentiment is echoed byWPLG, which highlights the benefits of art-based interventions in managing stress and improving overall mental health outcomes. Studies have consistently shown that art therapy can have a profound impact on mental well-being, allowing patients to momentarily shift their focus from their illnesses and tap into their creative potential.
In an article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology… researchers found that art therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic illnesses. According to an interview with a patient who has participated in the program, “The art projects have become a highlight of my week.
It’s a chance for me to express myself and relax.” The activities provided by the organization cater to a wide range of creative interests and abilities. Slime making, for instance, is a hit with pediatric oncology patients, who enjoy the tactile experience of mixing and molding gooey textures. Goody bag creation is another favorite, allowing patients to personalize their own bags with art supplies, stickers, and other embellishments.
Crafting activities such as knitting, sewing, and woodworking provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, as patients create tangible objects that they can cherish or share with others. Scrapbooking is another favorite activity, “where patients can combine physical and emotional elements to create a personalized visual history.” According to an interview with a patient who has participated in the program, “Scrapbooking has become a way for me to relive memories and share them with my family.” The organization’s dedication to the power of art therapy is evident in their carefully designed activities, “which are tailored to meet the unique needs and abilities of each patient.”
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BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Two South Florida teenagers are helping a wide range of patients use art activities to manage stress with their non-profit organization.
In 2022, the American Heritage students developed ideas for how to share their love of art with their community.
