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meredith

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Review for Creative Alternatives Of New York, New York, NY, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

Creative Alternatives is one of the most dynamic, unique and important organizations out there. About 3 years ago, I had the honor of completing my clinical internship as a drama therapist at CANY and was subsequently offered a full-time position. What amazes me to this day is how a small but dedicated organization can have a profound impact on so many individuals and the wider community. CANY operates from a simple tenet: theater has the power to instill hope, facilitate personal growth and be the conduit of change. In CANY groups, I saw a teen mother rediscover and embrace her own inner child; I watched a rowdy bunch of African refugee teenagers ground themselves in the telling of their stories from home; I witnessed an isolated, acutely psychotic schizophrenic man connect to others and to himself when taking on the role of Martin Luther King, Jr in a scene. CANY's group leaders and administrative team are some of the hardest workers, most compassionate therapists, and most gifted artists I have encountered in and out of my professional life. They work not because they want thanks or credit, but because they know that their quiet work makes a loud impact in the lives of the communities they serve and they believe that there is potential for inner and outer change in forgotten places and people.

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

My training as a drama therapist, professional work as a drama therapist, and as a volunteer for the organization. Inside and out, CANY makes a profound impact on the clients they serve and the employees/volunteers that work for them.

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

Include on-site group offerings, in addition to working at the various institutions and communities already served.

Role:  Volunteer & I had the pleasure of being both an intern and CANY employee (I left in March 2009), where I led drama therapy groups with some of the many populations served by the organization.