The ArtReach Foundation

Description

For over 17 years The ArtReach Foundation, Inc. has used the ArtReach Model to assist in the healing from traumatic effects of war, violence, and/or natural disaster. This Model is a therapeutic approach that includes the integration of the creative arts used within a group setting. This ArtReach Model carefully fuses visual art, drama, music, dance, movement and writing within the group dynamics. These components are seen as functions of the imagination. Each of these components makes its particular contribution to the overall efficacy of the Model. The work of ArtReach, from the beginning, has been based on the assumption that creative, artistic, imaginative, and self-expressive activities are emotionally healing and promote positive growth and development. This assumption is well founded in concepts and observations of psychologists, educators, and specialists in human development. We believe these experiences are particularly helpful to individuals who have experienced extraordinary difficulties and challenges, and whose sense of the stability and rightness of their world and their social structures has been severely damaged.The ArtReach Model also includes a "Train-the-Trainers" component. ArtReach builds teams of creative arts therapists, teachers, social workers, health care providers, and mentors that can help others by using this integrated approach. Trained-teams use the ArtReach activities and processes derived from the creative arts mentioned above and continues to supervise and support these teams until they are able to continue the work on their own.