Thriving4life

The organization is currently engaged in two three-year projects to bring its therapeutic, expressive arts program to residents in 100 nursing homes across the state of tennesse and also 100 nursing homes across the state of south carolina at no cost, providing quality art materials, training for nursing home staff, resources, and program support. The opportunities are made possible through state and federal funding.direct impact of this therapeutic art program is evident in the stories and images provided by participating nursing homes across Tennessee and south carolina. Some examples of comments are: "i feel like i've gotten my life back." "i am not an artist, but i am blessed to be able to paint some picures from my inner thoughts and feelings." "when asked the title of his artwork, he said 'happy silence' because while he was painting it, he didn't hear the voices in his head." "art helps me with my self-esteem, lifts my spirits, relaxes my mind, and helps me unwind when i'm anxious or lonely." "we are getting ahead of ourselves in the excitement of being considered for this art project. In the midst of so much unrest and crisis of care, this project has brought new conversation to us. Hope, if you may." Read more here: httpswwwthriving4lifeorgthriving4... benefits of arts-based interventions often include reduced anxiety, depression, negative behaviors, and reliance on anti-psychotics and other medications. The arts have also been proven to reduce the cancer-feeding stress hormone, cortisol (kaimal et al. 2016). Further, the benefits include an enhanced ability to regulate emotions, to learn, improved communication and cognition, positive interactions, mood, and especially the ability to express thoughts and feelings (neves et al. 2016). Maintaining connection and one's identity are vital to combatting the deleterious effects of social isolation and transition trauma.