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Karen McCarty

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1 reviews

Review for The ArtReach Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

I am a psychotherapist and a child of the military. After 9/11, it became increasingly obvious that the military and their families were having to bear an unaccustomed burden. Reserve and Guard units became essential to the missions abroad. Families with little experience of the military were having to adjust to breadwinners' being gone for long periods and, often, multiple deployments. More and more service people were coming home with the complications of PTSD and other injuries. I looked around for several years for some way to help and then I found ArtReach. This organization, through its initiative, Project Share, provides opportunities for healing and growth using the expressive arts. Work initially was targeted for the individual in the military but it quickly became apparent that their families were anxious for similar programs that would facilitate understanding and skill-building. ArtReach partners with the military in providing retreats for families in the form of retreats which include opportunities for all involved to form new and strong connections through art. In groups that are designed for the service member, individuals with the shared experience of combat join in working with the arts to heal the wounds of war. ArtReach continues to adapt to the increasing needs for its services as they arise. I feel very grateful to have found a way to serve the military in recognition of their sacrifices and those of their families.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I have seen families come together in making a shared art project, individual soldiers release the tension that they carry from their wartime experiences as they write poetry, children find their parents through designing a family picture. People relax and healing begins through the art they do.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I would make it more available to the growing requests for its services.

Role:  Volunteer & As a licensed psychotherapist I provide my experience and interest in working with the military and their families and in designing each workshop. Every workshop is unique to its population.
 
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