ART THERAPY
For The
CHILDREN OF UKRAINE
The Crisfield Arts Syndicate
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The Crisfield Arts Syndicate, a nonprofit organization located in Crisfield, MD, sponsored 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, traveled to Romania 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 was accompanied by Trish Kotzen of the Crisfield Arts Syndicate who helped 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]
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Here, a sample of photos documenting there most recent visit to Romania, thanks to Trish Kotzen!
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To Our Generous Donors,
Thanks again for your donation to the Crisfield Arts Syndicate program to support refugee and orphaned children from Ukraine. My trip was long and tiring, but very rewarding. The children clearly enjoyed and benefited from the art therapy projects, both the coloring books and the photography project. I thought you might like to see your donation at work, so I have attached some pictures, including a collage of photos the children took using donated cameras. Each child received an album with their picture on the cover, and they will receive copies of some of the pictures they took as part of the therapy project.
The children and staff at the school send their appreciation, too, for your kindness and generosity!
All the best,
Trish Kotzen