MCWEF supports art therapy for addiction recovery

As part of our 2018 grant cycle, the Medina County Women's Endowment Fund awarded $2,000 to the Recovery Center of Medina County to support art therapy for women and children who have a family member recovering from addiction.

"The purpose of creative interventions such as art therapy is essentially one of healing and a method of expression to help those individuals suffering from trauma," said Brandon Chrostowski, CEO and director of operations at the Recovery Center of Medina County.

The Medina County Women's Endowment Fund's support has helped propel additional art therapy offerings through the organization. Last fall, the center was able to offer new classes including a fall craft night and Dia de los Muertos-themed rock painting event which was open to drug court participants and their families.

In January, the center also kicked off The Artist's Way Meeting Series - a six-week program utilizing teachings described in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" novel. Cameron's teachings explore the profound, positive outcomes of journaling, drawing and other creative therapeutic outlets.

Art therapy programs are extremely popular at the center and very well attended by individuals and families going through recovery. In addition to providing an often much-needed emotional and expressive outlet, programs offered through the Recovery Center of Medina County encourage and foster interaction and reconnection between family members who have often become disconnected as a result of addiction.

"Art therapy can increase emotional resilience, insight, social skills and stress management coping skills," said Jessica Hazeltine, administrative manager for the Recovery Center of Medina County. "Our programs provide art therapy and fellowship at the Recovery Center of Medina County for family members."

The Recovery Center of Medina County's mission is to assure that every individual who desires an opportunity to overcome their addiction receives the necessary support to succeed. The center aims to provide all the elements of a successful recovery and deliver them at a high standard.

This spring, the recovery center is continuing to offer creative forms of art therapy including a new floral arrangement workshop on March 9.

For more information about upcoming events offered through the recovery center, please visit the organization's website at recoverycenterofmedinacounty.org.