A veteran member of the program, Kim
began attending Open Hearts Art Center in 2006. Kim’s mother, Sheila, recalls,
“She did not look forward to attending her previous program, but from day one
she has always looked forward to attending Open Hearts. Even after all these years, she still gets excited when she arrives at
the center.”
On a good day, Kim can be overheard joking with her one on
one assistant and the other artists at Open Hearts or telling stories about her
family pets. Her mom says, “Kim has always been a social butterfly and makes
friends for life.” The staff of Open Hearts “encourage her to express herself
and see her individuality. She loves being able to create art and feels appreciated
when she sells or gifts a piece of her art.”
Several years ago Kim was diagnosed
with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Sheila explains, “As her abilities have slowly declined due to this
disease, Open Hearts has continued to
see Kim as an individual who can enjoy being with her friends and being
creative and valued as a person. All of Open Hearts staff have been
interested and involved in adjusting her activities and adapting to her needs
so she can accomplish her goals, even though they are changing.”
“Open Hearts Art Center has faithfully made it possible
for Kim to continue ‘really living’ in this world despite her changing
abilities and needs.”
For the dedicated staff of the program, it is an everyday
goal to provide outlets for creative expression for all of the artists by
emphasizing each individual’s abilities. Through our Boundless Arts Program, we
also provide important opportunities for the artists to be integrated with the
community at large. Please consider Open Hearts Art Center for your end of year
giving. Your support allows Open Hearts to provide these innovative services
for our artists, and we are extremely grateful for our connection with you.
Thank you for being a wonderful member of the Open Hearts Art
Center community!
