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A Philly jobs program lost six to a year of violence. Can it still help young people thrive?

Samantha Melamed

December 02, 2020 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PowerCorpsPHL and Mural Arts' Guild have notched impressive results in job placements of young people with criminal records. The programs' employment training, paid apprenticeships, and art therapy classes have all been disrupted by 2020's pandemic, social unrest, and street violence. Private grants have largely made up for budget cuts from the city of Philadelphia. But the lack of face to face training and counseling has been disruptive. Both programs and their trainees are persevering despite longer odds, with workarounds that keep the programs afloat in difficult times.

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Behind prison walls, cats and inmates rehabilitate each other through animal care program

Jordan Erb

October 19, 2020 |

IndyStar (The Indianapolis Star) |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Pendleton, Indiana

In Indiana's maximum-security Pendleton Correctional Facility, the FORWARD program (Felines and Offenders Rehabilitation With Affection, Reformation and Dedication) puts incarcerated men in charge of caring for cats rescued from abuse or the streets while the cats await adoption. The men learn job skills and can feel empathy for a dependent animal, which research has shown can improve behavior both inside prison and afterward. The caregivers say their job gives them purpose and greater self-esteem. About 20 have been hired after prison by Indiana's Animal Protection League, which helps run the program.

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The happy hug of a clinic clown

Priti Salian

September 25, 2020 |

MintPress News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Auroville

Clinic clowns aren't just bringing joy to elderly dementia patients, they are also fostering a sense of wellbeing and positivity while helping them recall memories from their past through the use of art, music, and improvisation. Because many are volunteers and don't have medical training, a clown academy is now offering a specific training course where clinic clowns can learn about "patient psychology, dealing with care facilities and working in tandem with a medical team."

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Camp Resilience, a local life-changer for vets

Roberta Baker

September 17, 2020 |

The Laconia Daily Sun |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Gilford, New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, a healing and bonding program is offering veterans and first responders experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder ways to cope with their stressors. From social interactions to equine therapy, participants have reported that the program has had a positive impact on their wellbeing.

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In Prison, Learning Magic by Mail

Annalisa Quinn

August 14, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

A community of incarcerated magic enthusiasts formed spontaneously around a column published by a magic magazine, thanks to their own initiative and the willingness of Joshua Jay, the magician/columnist, to respond to fan mail. The incarcerated people formed an underground exchange of tips on magic tricks and how to make props from the limited availability of materials in prisons. By perfecting their skills, this community used magic as performative art therapy, easing their sense of isolation and increasing their sense of power and personal worth. One even went pro after his release.

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Catalyst Life Services provides masks to staff for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients

Tierra Thomas

May 07, 2020 |

Richland Source |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Lip-reading is very important for clarification for those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, but the masks mandated by the coronavirus pandemic hinder that. In response, the nonprofit Catalyst Life Services (which currently serves about 90 deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Richland County) created masks that feature a "window" over the mouth made of clear plastic so that the wearer stays protected and interpretable. So far the nonprofit has made 20 for their community and another 100 for local first responders, but they are looking for more donations and help going forward.

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Surfing for a better life

Richard Kenny Lily Freeston

May 04, 2020 |

BBC |

Video |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape

A program in Cape Town, South Africa is helping children learn life skills and provide mental health resources through 'surf therapy.' The program called Waves for Change starts each session with some grounding meditation and energizing chants in order to prepare the group before they venture out into the sea, which for some kids was a prior source of fear. For many kids, this has been a way to learn to communicate better and a chance to improve their self-esteem.

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A Second Life for Flowers

Miriam Zoila Perez

March 10, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Horticultural therapy – a mix of art therapy, wellness activity, and a way to reuse viable flowers – is gaining popularity amongst hospitals and nursing homes due to its nature-centric therapeutic benefits. Although medical research is limited, some studies have shown that it can have a positive impact on one's mood and participants have expressed sentiments such as, "It relaxes me. Just holding the flowers takes me away from my situation."

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Arizona behavioral health unit unveils murals to help mental health

Tina Giuliano

March 10, 2020 |

Cronkite News - Arizona PBS |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff Medical Center has incorporated the arts into their behavioral health unit, where they treat people with depression, anxiety, and other issues—they hired local artists to paint murals on the walls. Staff at the center say that the art has had a positive effect on the patients and allows them to reflect on where they came from.

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A parent's place? Meet the women fighting for space at SA's rural hospitals

Joan van Dyk

February 26, 2020 |

Bhekisisa |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: South Africa, Madwaleni

In the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa, a hospital has transformed their model of care for children with cerebral palsy to better serve the entire family. Offering weeklong stays, the hospital offers physical therapy for the children and emotional and educational support to the mothers of the children. Although this kind of care comes at a financial cost for the hospital, the results have indicated positive outcomes for both the child and moms. Additionally, the hospital staff has also trained the moms to act as community workers, helping to better increase awareness and access to services.

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