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In an exciting initiative aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among adolescents, the Arts for Youth Project has officially launched in Jackson County, Indiana. The project made its debut during the Healthy Jackson County Mental Health Fest held in Seymour this September. This innovative collaboration involves several key players, including the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, the School of Social Work, and multiple partner organizations from the Healthy Jackson County Coalition.
The Arts for Youth Project is designed to create an art-based kit specifically aimed at promoting adolescent mental health. By expanding access to evidence-based art therapy activities and providing tangible art supplies, the project seeks to support middle school youth in Jackson County and surrounding areas during a time when mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent.
The Local News Digital news site noted that a significant component of this initiative is the Arts for Youth Book, which is available in both Spanish and English. This therapeutic guidebook is tailored to improve well-being through a range of arts-based exercises that incorporate educational elements alongside art and play therapy practices. The book is packed with wellness resources to help young people navigate various emotional challenges, including those related to social media pressure, bullying, body image, gender identity, and relationships.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is its commitment to accessibility. Over the next few months, roughly 2,000 youth in Jackson County and nearby areas will receive the art kit and book free of charge, thanks to support from local schools, pediatric clinics, after-school providers, and faith communities. Each kit, valued at over $100, is designed for adolescents aged 11 to 14 and can be utilized independently or with guidance from family members, counselors, clinicians, or teachers.
The Arts for Youth Project was inspired by the success of the Creative Arts for Vets (CAV) initiative, which focuses on distributing therapeutic art workbooks to veterans across the country. Led by Todd Burkhardt, the director of campus partnerships at the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, the development of the Arts for Youth Book was greatly informed by the insights of associate professor John Keesler from the School of Social Work.
The funding for this project is a collaborative effort from various organizations, including the Jackson County Health Department, Schneck Medical Center, Schneck Foundation, Su Casa Indiana, Dickson’s Printing, and many others, including grants from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
With its comprehensive approach, the Arts for Youth Project represents a significant step forward in supporting the mental health of adolescents in Jackson County. By fostering creativity and providing essential resources, this initiative aims not only to improve the well-being of young people but also to create a supportive community that encourages open conversations about mental health.
If you or your child are struggling with a mental health disorder, reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our skilled admissions team will guide you through the options available to you. We have helped thousands of people transform their lives and we can help you too! Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.