Lee Steadman Director BLOOM Collaborative
Recovery is about all of us Over 24 million Americans are recovering from a mental illness. America spends $113 billion on mental healthcare. Stress alone is estimated to cost American industry more than $300 billion per year with over 320 million lost work days per year. 7 billion of us on the planet have mental health and take turns recovering from life s curveballs.
CCBH satisfaction Survey People surveyed said that despite good treatment, good medication, and overall satisfaction with services offered, individuals generally do not feel well. Conclusion; Good treatment and good rehabilitation is not enough. People need joy, beauty, meaningful activity, meaningful relationships and an overall sense of purpose to achieve a sense of well-being. (Fulfillment) Bill McCarthy, prior CEO of Stairways Behavioral Health
Wellness People feeling the fullness of their lives and finding meaning in how they live. Recovery Recovery focuses on; Health, Home, Purpose, Community. We all are in a constant state of recovery, relationships, jobs, illness, life s stresses. BLOOM Collaborative Mission BLOOM is a healing arts center that provides environments where there is an acceptance of differences and shared experiences creating art; so that individuals are able to better navigate their journey of recovery and be a more balanced community member.
Why community arts helps us It is natural for us to be connected and creative. The arts allows us to have the courage to be imperfect. Letting go of comparison. Unused creativity turns into grief, judgement, sorrow, shame. Connectivity energy is created by being seen, heard and valued. A place that asks How are you today? It s inherently human to want the objects in our lives to communicate feelings and ideas to us and about us. Mindfulness, being present, unplug from technology Dr. Brene Brown, Power of Vulnerability
Creative Programs in Mental Health Benefits Emotional exploration New awakening Spiritual growth Social expression Fresh perspective Positive relationships A place to belong Community building La Trope University, Mind Australia Prahran Mission, 2009
BLOOM serves the entire community Through the arts, mental health becomes something easy to talk about, approachable. Some of our collaborators are; All local mental health agencies Veterans, VA Hospital, Erie Homes for Children and Adults Sight Center of NW PA, Regional Cancer Center Family Services, JFK & Quality of Life Centers, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sarah Reed, Bethesda Individuals looking to learn and improve Local, State government Donors and Foundations
Art & Fear Creating something allows us to face fear without risk, which can give us confidence in trying to learn new behaviors too.
Imagination is good for us Imagination is strongly encouraged for a child s development Imagination is taught out of us for more important things The importance of play Time spent without purpose Dr. Brene Brown, Power of Vulnerability
Art builds faith Faith-based art allows the participant to grunt through stages of ugliness to achieve an end result that is satisfying.
Art forces us to be in the moment
Unplug What do you do on social media? You share moments moments of joy, of friendship, humor, and beauty. Ironically, by engaging with social media, you lose the moment. In your quest to connect virtually, you disconnect from your reality and the people in it.
Stay green Health should greet you when you first arrive. Gardens and flowers improve our emotional well being
Connect We all need a place to connect with others. A sense of membership An environment that manifests the energy to allow for caring and emotional support. These can be difficult to find for people in recovery. (all of us)
Re invent Through practicing creativity, imagination and visualization, participants can picture a new day for themselves. Art builds confidence in trying new behaviors.
Carriage House Studio (programs) Crafts Fused glass Drawing, painting Sculpture Jewelry Printmaking
Blossom's Clay Studio (programs) Hand building, Wheel throwing, sculpture
Yoga Studio (programs) Yoga Meditation Mindful stretching
Community Outreach Creative partnerships Battling stigma
BLOOM Snap Shot A week at BLOOM 9/12 9/19 402 Total Visitors CLASSES o 95 SBH Clients o 30 Community 71 Stairways Staff 206 Community Members This week s fruits & vegetables
BLOOM Artwork BLOOM artists have produced 1,000 s of pieces of artwork. BLOOM artists have sold over $175,0000 worth of artwork to the Erie community. 50% of the proceeds go directly back to the artist Gourd by Ruby Homsi
Results Our surveys show; Over 90% report increase in happiness after class. Over 90% report an increase in being connected by being at BLOOM. Over 95% report decrease in stress after class. Over 90% report a decrease in anxiety after class.
Creative Wellness Land Design Plan Clay Yoga Greenhouse Art Studio Integrative Wellness Center
Culture & Arts out into community Arts out into community Gallery Art Studio Clay Creative Placemaking
Environment 1 hour walk in the park 20% increase in focus & memory University of Michigan Study, 2008
Healthy Community