1 previous review
June 14, 2011
Awakenings has brought me from a sheltered state to one that I can communicate freely with other like minded individuals. The shows we have are great to show off the fine arts side of the Project. more
AWAKENINGS PROJECT
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November 30, 2012
The Awakrnngs Project has meant so very much to me. Coming out of partial brain removal in 2003 , I was quite reserved to say say the least.y mental illness had taken over my being. I came over to the Awakenimgs Project aroun 2006. It has meant all tje very being of my inside expression. Havimg beem an art major in college, I did bave a bit of formal knowledge though bundled up inside and me being dased and confused(sorry for the saying). The Awakenings Project helped me to blossum back to my artistic roots amd also helped in my socialising, too. Still a part of the project, it makes me want to be a light to others suffering from menal illness as I do. Without the Awkenings Project I would have never been better off!
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 14, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Awakenings has brought me from a sheltered state to one that I can communicate freely with other like minded individuals. The shows we have are great to show off the fine arts side of the Project.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've been able to sell my artwork for the first time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to change Awakenings, I would provide more successes in grant money.
November 11, 2012
I love what they are doing with art to help those with mental illness.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unsure
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 2, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been in touch with this organisation from the early days of my own recovery. It inspired me to know that there was such a celebration of talents and a proactive response to people's abilities in encouraging them to take their work forward and bring it to the wider attention of society at large. In so doing the public can appreciate the gifts of people rather than being made aware of their so-called deficits which every human being has should we choose to look at life that way. The quality and diversity of the work produced has been nothing short of astounding. I am extremely proud to be associated with this highly acclaimed enterprise and the passion the workers show.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 25, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I was so surprised when I found The Awakenings Project. A roomful of artists and art supplies and I could come and use the studio and have a place to paint and not worry about the smell of turpentine or a bit of spilled paint. My apartment complex would never allow that. And on top of that we have shows! My art can be seen! A chance to have someone connect with what my art says about what I feel, what pain I have been thru, where I find healing in my life. I love the shows. They allow those of us with Mental Illnesses to speak to the public, to help them understand our lives, our talents. And some of us are even able to sell our artwork to have the money to make more. But most of all I like being able to talk to people who "get it" and share our struggles and our joys as we walk thru life looking for healing and acceptance.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 25, 2012
Amazing. I love the Awakenings Project and am so grateful for all those that they help through art. It is a beautiful Project that everyone could benefit from. I look forward to partnering with the Awakenings Project in the Future! Irene and crew you rock!
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Quite well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 16, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
The Awakenings Project is an amazing group of artists that empowers those living with mental illness. I have spent an afternoon with the artists in studio and I felt honored to be creating alongside fellow artists. I am an Art Therapist and firmly believe in the creative process of art making. Creating artwork can connect you to your true self and soul and is very healing. They are amazing and we are blessed to have them in our area.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
aspects of my professional and personal life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them procure more funding or partner with an area developing art therapy organization ; )
1 person found this review helpful
August 8, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I began with Awakenings in 2004. Initially I was heavily involved and did many of the shows and helped with set-up and spent a lot of time at the studio. I would say that the Awakenings Project helped me through some pretty dark periods in my life. Over the years I became less involved in the shows and set-up and became a board member-- fast forwarding to now where i am a advisory board member due to my rather busy life. I have witnessed the transformation one can experience by being a part of Awakenings Project as i know that others have as well. Next May i will be finishing up my masters in Social Work and hope to have more time to be involved with Awakenings Project-- as i know that they continue to reach out and touch many others.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Unsure
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
August 7, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a member of Awakenings for eight years-during the eight years-I had a my art work in art shows and even got an award from one art show-I volunteer for Awakenings by helping getting donations and also I volunteer for Awakenings by doing art groups at two nursing homes-since I have been a member of Awakenings the organization has helped me with my recovery of my mental illness-I would refer Awakenings to other people
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Making new frieinds, experience volunteering for Awakenings
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Encouraging more people to use the Awakenings Art Studio and Help Awakenings to raise more money by having more benefits
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
By being more considerate of other people with mental illness who are at a lower level functioning than me
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
By volunteering for Awakenings doing art groups at two nursing homes-It helps me to learn more about certain kinds of art
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
It helps my recovery of my mental illness to volunteer for Awakenings
August 3, 2012
When the Awakenings Project moved to Elgin, Il I became aware and involved in the work they were doing to help precious people deal with their illness and flourish. They help artists who deal with psychiatric illness in the visual arts, drama, music and writing. For me they gave me a group of people I could spend time with, network with and process my life. I am not actively involved now but the project gave me a base to help build my life on.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Likely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Quite well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 11, 2012
My name is Mary Ann and I suffer from a mental illness, schizophrenia, and I love art. I am a self-taught artist and although I knew I was not alone, I never knew that there were groups on line for people just like me. Even tho I live several states away, The Awakenings Project has had a big impact on my life. My confidence level has risen and I am inspired so much by the other members works. I hope to take a road trip some day and meet this great group of people.
Photos
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Unsure
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
June 26, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I'm writing this review with some sense of bias--I'm the current President of the Awakenings Project and in 1996 and 1997 I got the ball rolling, as the founder you might say. I think the story of how Awakenings was founded speaks volumes for the wonderful and important work that we do. I appoached the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Illinois with a proposal to display an art show at their annual conference in 1997 where all the exhibitors would have mental illnesses. NAMI agreed. As a person with serious mental illness, I was just learning of the power of art on the self perception and self esteem of people who have mental illnesses. Expecting only a dozen artists to come out for that first show we got four times that many! The show was a terrific success! The next year we had another, and another after that. The momentum grew such that The Awakenings Project became an organization in its own right. Today very many of the people who started Awakenings are still with it! It's taken a life of its own and it guided the lives of many, including mine.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've helped find myself as a photographer and writer and I've made great friends.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to change this organization I would seek funding to support a small staff.
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