Happy Holidays!

Have a blessed holiday season!

Holiday depression tips

This week We Care Arts wants to help spread awareness around of how the hustle and bustle, bright lights and wonderful soothing music can actually cause people to experience depression during the holidays. One of our overall goals as a nonprofit is to contribute to the lives of as many people as possible. We felt like one way to do so is to insure everyone has a very joyous holiday season. We know that many people we serve along with people throughout our communities are having a difficult time at this time of the year. Here are some helpful tips to help minimize your stress/depression level.

According  to HealthLine.com there are many factors that can contribute to why people to experience the holiday blues. Several of these factors include :

·         Social Isolation

Cause: Social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of depression, especially during the holidays. Some people may have a small social circle or lack opportunities for socialization. People who have feelings of disconnectedness often avoid social interactions at holiday time. Unfortunately, withdrawing often makes the feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression worse.

Tip: One of the best ways to deal with social isolation is to reach out to friends or family for support. You can also try talking to a therapist. They can help you figure out where your feelings come from and develop solutions to overcome them.

·         Grieving

Cause: Some people may be keenly aware of the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. Here are several ways to stave off the holiday blues that may descend at this time.

Tip: Begin a new tradition. Try planning a family outing or vacation, instead of spending the holidays at home.

Tip: Don't give in to holiday pressures. Feel free to leave an event if you aren't comfortable. Be willing to tell others, "I'm not up for this right now."

Other tips on how to find joy and balance include:

·         Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

·         Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend.

·         Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

The success of our annual Cookie Walk

We had a great time at the Cookie Walk, our annual homemade cookie sale on Saturday, December 3 here at We Care Arts! With the help from all our supporters hundreds of pounds of delicious sweets were placed on every horizontal space in our large open room. We made more than $3,000 at this amazing sale! 

We are so grateful for all the wonderful supporters that attend our events throughout the year. But never more so than when they support the Cookie Walk.

To have cookies to sell, we put out the call to people who have made cookie for us before and also request cookie bakers through our email list and social media . Lots of people tell us that they will make cookies, but we never really know what amount of cookies we are going to get! Fortunately, every year we get tons of cookies and we are grateful to everyone who bakes for us!

                

We also want to thank all the volunteers who work our event so it always runs smoothly! They load cookies onto platters on Friday when the cookies are rolling in. Then, on Saturday, they keep our tables filled with wonderful goodies that our customers love to take home and share with their family and friends.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all the people that make our Cookie Walk event a success!

Introducing another amazing talent at WCA

 This week, we would like to introduce you to John Deger, another one of our team of amazing artists.  He has been coming to We Care Arts since January 2012 after being referred by his therapist, and is more than happy to share his background, hobbies and passions for coming here.

John Deger was born in Centerville, Ohio. He is the youngest with two older brothers. While growing up, he enjoyed being the youngest as he was spoiled. 

John expressed some of his hobbies when he said, “I like painting, reading and watching sports, including the University of Dayton basketball team and the Cincinnati Reds.” 

He also truly enjoys advanced coloring books, mosaic art, and participates in two different bowling leagues.

 John shared how much he loves coming here when he said, “My favorite thing about We Care Arts is being around all my friends.  Everyone is so friendly."

  

Sharing Her Dedication

 We are thrilled to share what we learned when we interviewed one of our amazing art teachers, Sharen Eninger.  We have been truly blessed by her dedication to teach our clients for the past 15 years.  Sharon teaches a weekly art class of up to 35 students every Thursday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm here at We Care Arts.  During this class they work on all kinds of mediums, which can include painting, ceramics, oils, fiber art, weaving and much more.  She always asks her students what their dream project is and then comes up with a project to make that dream happens.  Sharen shares her enthusiasm when she says “I feel there is no project that is too big for them, they can do it!”  

  Every time they are ready to start a new project, Sharen gladly takes her time to sit down with her students and discuss their interests along with what is going on with the holidays at that point which would also help determine what may sell well in the shop.  Sharen’s favorite thing about teaching is being able to see her students leave class with a good sense of success.  It is always amazing seeing how art can truly help people feel better emotionally as well as have better self-esteem.  Sharen notices that sometimes her students get frustrated throughout the class but she describes the learning process as part of the journey, “It is like building with blocks, you first have to have a foundation.”

Another thing Sharen has observed during her teaching experience is that these art projects help to change the mood of her students in a positive way.  When they feel overwhelmed, they would break down the work into smaller parts along with focusing more on building friendships.  She encourages everyone that you should not compare your art work with other people as everyone is unique.  In order to make everyone in this class as optimistic as possible they are not allowed to say “can’t” or “won’t” but instead they can say “this is a challenge” or “this is difficult”. 

 

    One of Sharen’s many wonderful memories has been watching one of her students, Todd, grow.  When he first started he could only trace but as he continued learning and practicing he worked his way up to showing his artistic skills in whimsical paintings and coming up with his own ideas. 

We are so thankful for all of our wonderful art teachers who try their best to contribute to the lives of all of our clients.  Without Sharen and all of the amazing teachers, staff and volunteers, we would not be who we are today!

Special Holiday Cookie Walk!!!!!

 It’s cookie time again!!!!!!!

Our wildly popular Cookie Walk is Saturday, December 3 from 10 to 2 (or ‘till the cookies are gone!) here at We Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, Kettering.  

Come in, stock up on all our yummy homemade cookies for only $7 a pound and say adios to holiday baking this year! Or if you love baking, you can make us some goodies to sell at our event and help fund the programs we provide. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

Here’s how you can help:

·         Bake and donate COOKIES!!! This year, we invite you to “think outside the chip.” We all love a good chocolate chip cookie, but during the holidays, it’s sharing those “special” cookies that we remember from our childhoods that make this kind of event so much fun. We’re looking for the cookies, bars, and candies that you remember making with your mom and grandma: tassies, nut horns, snowballs, shortbreads, bourbon balls, pizzelles, luscious fudge. Beautiful and unique cookies are big sellers!

·         Come and buy cookies! Leave with dozens of different cookies for your family to enjoy. Tell your friends to come too!

·         Volunteer! We’ll need folks to help us to plate cookies on Friday, and will need cashiers and “cookie runners” throughout the day on Saturday.

    If you are interested in volunteering or baking for this event, please learn all about it on our website at  WeCare Arts  or contact us at 937-252-3937.

Let's celebrate world diabetes day

Let’s celebrate world diabetes day on November 14^th 2016. This is the day for us to show our support and spread awareness for any and all issues related to diabetes. World diabetes day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization to promote the growing health concerns of diabetes. In 2006, United Nations made world diabetes day recognized as a special day to spread awareness of the cause, outcome, and prevention of diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes happens when the body cannot produce enough insulin or it can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This condition can cause people to experience heart conditions, blindness and lower limb amputation.

There are two types of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is heredity and Type 2 can be associated with your diet and lack of exercise. Regular exercise activities can truly help to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

How does stress affect diabetes?

When a person is under stress it can affect their eating habits and the amount of physical activities that a person will do.  Stress can cause loss of appetite or skipping meals, as well as eating unhealthy food such as chips and candy, or not exercising enough.

How can art help people affected with diabetes?

Performing artistic activities is an amazing way to relieve stress. Art therapy truly helps people get their mind off of stressful life activities and gives them something to enjoy.  Once a person does anything related to art such as painting, drawing, photography, gardening, and wood working, they are more likely to have less stress and better eating habits with more physical activity. All of this can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

We Care Arts is the perfect place to reduce your stress and socialize with others. This positive environment can truly contribute to reducing major health risk such as diabetes. 

Jeanette McElwain, and her passion for art!

This month we are proud to introduce you to another one of our talented clients, Jeanette McElwain.  She eagerly shares some of her passions and hobbies along with her passion of coming to WCA. 

 Jeanette McElwain, was born and raised in Texas. She has been in Ohio for approximately five years. She has two sisters and one brother.  Jeanette said some of her hobbies are “drawing, all kinds of ceramics,  bowling,” and she has been actively involved with learning American Sign Language for about one year. Jeanette was referred to WCA by her case manager from Montgomery County.  

She began coming here in February 2014.  Her favorite thing about coming to WCA is glazing clay and interacting with the people. Coming to WCA has really helped her emotionally because she feels happier, more relaxed, and more interactive.

She has recently shown her talent at learning sign language at our latest fund raiser in October when we performed the song "I Love You" in ASL.  If you want to watch our fun and exciting performance please click here. 

How can a simple paper towel make such a huge difference?

Have you ever wondered how WCA can serve so many people since we are a non-profit organization? You would not believe how much time, supplies and money is needed to allow us to contribute to the lives of as many people as possible. 

We couldn’t provide our services to the over 1,300 people we helped last year without the help of our supporters in the community and dedicated volunteers.  Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to help our clients enhance their lives and achieve greater self-confidence and independence. 

Donors come in all shapes and sizes around here! Last year, we had 448 volunteers donate 5,553 hours of their time to We Care Arts. According to the Ohio Department of Labor, volunteer time is valued at $23.07 per hour. That means that last year, our volunteers contributed $128, 107 of in-kind service to us!

We have donors who pledge annually  to pay for a client to receive our services for a year. Other donors pledge to buy supplies or pay for operating expenses. Corporations like to fund our programs for high school students or kids on the Autism Spectrum. Goodwill of the Miami Valley lets us have its truck whenever we have need of it, besides donating gift cards to their stores. Kettering Health Network has just become a generous annual sponsor of our special events. 

If you are looking for a place to make a real difference and impact the lives of many people, please consider donating your time, supplies or donations to our organization   Thank you so much for helping us become who we are today.  

Below is a list of supplies that we could greatly benefit from:

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Michael's gift certificates

Cornell Studios gift certificates (clay and glazes)

Glass beads for jewelry

Jewelry tools

Card stock and envelope packages (white, cream, brown)

Sewing scissors

Palette paper

Tracing paper

Graphite paper

Watercolor paper (any color)

Oil paints and watercolor paints (tubes)

Watercolor pencils 

Colored pencils (Prismacolor brand)

Different size canvases 

For additional information please visit our website We Care Arts or call us at 937-252-3937.  

Holiday Open House

     Come join us for our Holiday Open House. This is a fun event for the whole family! Kids (of all ages) can make their own creations at our Make It/Take it station. 

      For a $5 donation, they can make 3 different ornaments and gifts of their choice from our large selection of crafts.  All types of craft supplies will be furnished, and ideas and help are available from our friendly “elves”.

     Meanwhile, Mom can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in our unique Gift Shop.  And think about it, Mom…Let the glitter and paint fall on OUR floor!

We Care Arts

3035 Willmington Pk.

Kettering, OH

 

Let's Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and a chance to spread awareness, advocacy and inclusion throughout the community. During the month of October, WCA is proud to celebrate our clients with Down Syndrome and make people aware of their abilities and accomplishments.
 
According to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)one in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down Syndrome the most common chromosomal condition.

Many of our amazing clients here at WCA have Down Syndrome. We are more than proud to introduce you to one of these talented artists, Walter May.  He stands up to express his pride and support of his own condition and shares his interesting accomplishments and passion for WCA. 

Walter May was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He shared a very interesting experience when he said, “When I was a baby I almost died because my throat closed up on me, with all the prayers from my family and friends I am happy that I am alive.” His hobbies include collecting and recycling pop cans, watching soap operas and playing with the Buddy Up Tennis program at the Kettering Tennis Center. He heard about We Care Arts through Terry Schalnat, our Executive Director, when she came to Belmont High School to teach an art class and he decided to start coming here in 1992 after graduating from high school. Walter’s favorite things here are friends and painting, which is his favorite art medium. He says that painting makes him feel good inside and he likes painting larger wooden projects where he can take his time and really concentrate.

 

 

We Care Arts helps local high schools

Have you ever wondered what programs We Care Arts provides every week to our clients? We want to share with you about the many different classes and programs available. Some of the teachers go out into different high schools, nursing homes and other mental health facilities to teach art classes to youth and adults with special needs. We have a couple of special education classes from local high schools come to our main facility every week to learn and create art. 

I recently interviewed one of our art teachers Diane Zubrick who teaches an art class to the special education students from Centerville High School every Thursday at 9:30 am. During the interview, I learned that the students enjoy many different artistic activities such as working with clay, painting and sculpting. 

 Diane has truly noticed how this art class has helped the students improve their self esteem, especially when they create a piece of art they are proud of and enjoy sharing it with others. Throughout the class their moods greatly change in a positive way. Many of the classes have come for several years. Diane expresses her passion when she says, "I really enjoy seeing them mature and grow in their art." She continues to emphasize how creating art truly helps them when she says "some of the students go to work at at Meijer after class. I feel that creating art puts them in a good frame of mind to perform better at work." 

It is a true honor for our staff and volunteers to contribute to the lives of individuals with all abilities through art.

If you would like to learn more about our services and other programs here at We Care Arts as well as our other locations, please check out our website

We Care Arts.