BE ONE OF FORTY SPECIAL PEOPLE !

 

How great would it feel to be part of a mission to help children from Ukraine who are victims of the War and living in orphanages in Romania?   The Crisfield Arts Syndicate, a nonprofit organization located in Crisfield, MD, is sponsoring a trip to Romania to assist local health care professionals working with Ukrainian orphans and other children who have been sent out of the war zone for safety reasons. Dr. Lark Eshleman, a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma, will travel to Romania for the third time this May.  She will continue to teach therapists and caregivers how to support children who have lived through the horrors of war, and lost their homes, parents, families and all familiar surroundings. These are children in a state of limbo wondering what their lives will hold for them after the war is over. Dr. Eshleman will be accompanied by a member of the Crisfield Arts Syndicate who will help document her work.

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On each trip, Dr. Eshleman brings special, therapeutic coloring books (“Color Me Closer”) created for two people to complete together. They are designed to provide a comforting activity (coloring) with pictures that progressively bring children together with the partner with whom they color.  Here is a part of a letter from a Ukrainian therapist living and working with Ukrainian orphans and migrants in Romania:

 

“Using this therapeutic “Color Me Closer” coloring book I see how so many frightened children begin opening up and relaxing. I can observe how the process of children using the book together helps kids express their emotions through art, allowing them to engage together in a meaningful and creative activity with their dearest people or friends. The illustrations are not only fun and engaging but also provide a platform for open communication and bonding.” (Olena Koval, Ukrainian therapist]

 

With the success of this art therapy tool, the counselors in Romania have requested that Dr. Eshleman bring additional copies on her upcoming trip.  She is not paid for her travel, nor her work while in Romania, and must rely on her own resources or the generosity of others to continue her mission.  Unfortunately, the current budget will not cover the additional coloring books, and that is where you can help.  We need a minimum of $400 to provide the additional coloring books; that amounts to 40 people willing to donate $10 each.  Will you be one of those 40? 

 

The Crisfield Arts Syndicate is an IRS approved 501c(3) nonprofit, and your donation is tax deductible to the extent provided by prevailing tax  regulations.  You will receive an acknowledgement of your donation and, following the trip, a picture of children using the coloring book.  If you can help, please use the following link to donate online:  

 

 

 

 

 

If you prefer, you may send a check made out to “Crisfield Arts Syndicate” to:

 

Crisfield Arts Syndicate

c/o Patricia Kotzen

1638 Bayside Drive

Chester, MD 21619

 

Any amount will be greatly appreciated and will be used to support this humanitarian mission.  On behalf of Dr. Eshleman, the children, and their caregivers, thank you for your consideration.