My Nonprofit Reviews
VirginiaG
Review for Awakenings Project, Wheaton, IL, USA
Awakenings is an artists collaborative whose members happen to also be recovering, or in recovery, from mental illnesses. Awakenings has touched the lives of many people and facilitated joyful creativity for persons in hospitals, mental health centers, nursing homes, and the community. They offer a Drop-In Art Studio in Elgin every Saturday from 11 am -1:00 pm with free art materials, laid-back companionship, acceptance, and friendly encouragement to join in and play!
Volunteers conduct art classes and 'happenings' everywhere they can - nursing homes, national and local Recovery Conferences in Chicago, Elgin, Lisle and beyond; host art exhibits showcasing their members’ work at art galleries, public libraries, colleges and universities, stage poetry readings, and publish a fine bi-annual literary journal, The Awakenings Review, with writings from consumer-survivors and family members. Awakenings awards scholarships to deserving artists to recognize their talent and help bankroll their art supplies or studies.
This organization runs on pure love. The founding members take phone calls from all over the country and are always open to including new people who happen to hear of Awakenings, at times even picking them up and bringing them into their homes for a meeting and a meal! Or dropping by the home of a supporter in another state as they drive through on their family vacation!
Awakenings has survived and thrived for over a decade now - how many consumer-run organizations getting by on a shoestring can claim such longevity?
I support Awakenings because of its work celebrates the gifts and strengths of persons with mental illnesses, educates the public, fights stereotypes and stigma, sets the spirit free, and is a remarkable band of brothers and sisters. Come join us!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've personally seen many people become empowered and energized by the opportunity to create art in whatever way they wish, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. People grow in their artistic abilities and expand their horizons as a result of associating with this band of artists and free spirits. People begin to flourish, not merely 'recover.'
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wish there were more helping hands to share the work. More people with cars, time, and energy to help out at events. Awakenings needs lots of new members to keep growing. More media exposure would help! Awakenings is a powerful recovery tool that more mental health agencies should know about and make use of to jump-start their members recovery and creative self-expression. Needs persons with grant-writing abilities to give some time and expertise to help Awakenings grow.
