When Meghan envisioned the future of the art therapy group that she was starting at Willow’s Place, she imagined a special place where housed women from the community could come together and share, learn, and grow.
As Creative Connections celebrates its one-year anniversary, the group has become just that.
“We’ve created a space where folks can come and tune out what’s going on outside and tap into what’s going on inside themselves. When they can do that, I think that’s where the magic happens.”
Meghan first heard about Willow’s Place from her partner, who previously served as a volunteer in several different programs across Mission Services. Just as she reached out about potentially leading a class, Willow’s Place received funding from the H₂HCo (Here to Help, Co.) Foundation that made the program possible.
“It overlapped perfectly. While I was reaching out (to facilitate the group), they were planning special programming for folks in the community who were housed, but utilizing the services that Willow’s offers.”
One of those women is Brianna. She is one of the most consistent attendees at Creative Connections, and enjoys the break that it gives her each week.
“It gives me energy and it helps me settle my brain a bit. I like to be able to just be creative, come up with new ideas, and take a break from the busyness of life,” Brianna said.
Meghan adds that the connections that are made are just as important as the art.
“While they’re in class, they’re able to swap ideas and share their supports with each other. People really come out of their shells and connect with other community members, which I think is a really important aspect of this group. Once you’ve found housing, it can be a bit isolating, so to be able to come here and have this free group where everyone’s welcome is huge.”
