20 years ago I had no idea how art could transform someone’s life, let alone mine.
Like many people, I wasn’t one of those “good-at-art” creative types, so when the domestic violence shelter I worked for proudly announced they had secured a full scholarship for me to become trained as a Windows facilitator, I was hesitant. As an advocate I knew the serious, life threatening issues facing the residents of our shelter.
Could art really impact their urgent needs? Was I the right person to facilitate these art workshops??
Little did I know, that scholarship was about to transform my life – and the lives of those I served. Rather than “learning art”, AWBW’s 2-day, strengths-based training focused on using art as a catalyst to rediscover myself; tapping into my wisdom and identifying aspects that needed more love, compassion, and healing. I discovered that serving others is inside out work. I learned how to give myself the space to truly heal so I could better support others.
As I infused what I learned into my role as an advocate, I witnessed survivors who were previously withdrawn begin to participate in new ways. The art workshops became places of self-discovery that survivors looked forward to; a place of abundance, hope and community—where healing was real and present. Turns out the power of art was more critical that I could have ever imagined.
Over time, I realized that art was having as much of an impact on me as it was for those I served. I used it to address my trauma, and give voice to my needs and strengths, as I cultivated my leadership capabilities. People like me who pour our hearts into serving the most vulnerable often forget to nurture our own. AWBW provides a deeply meaningful space for support, healing, and self-care, reminding us that we, too, are worthy of the care we give.
Now, as AWBW’s first Director of Training & Outreach I have the immense honor of leading our scholarship program. Sometimes I pinch myself as it is literally my job to provide these scholarship opportunities to others. The same opportunity that set me on a trajectory of leadership and growth over 20 years ago.
