October 31, 2019

Expressive Arts For Survivors 2019

You Matter and Matter Absolutely

Photo of Teresa, Expressive Arts Facilitator provided by Kate Johnston.

Once a week, tucked in the safety of our YWCA building in downtown Spokane, Teresa, a facilitator in YWCA Spokane’s Women’s Opportunity Center, leads a group for women called Expressive Arts Group For Survivors where survivors of intimate partner violence use art as a tool for self-care.

With the bright October sun shining within the classroom where this free class takes place, Teresa displays a piece she recently painted which features a quote by someone who has been an inspiration to her in her personal and professional life. “You matter and matter absolutely” are the words of Kent Hoffman, co-creator of a parenting philosophy called Circle of Security. Teresa is also a facilitator of Circle of Security, which she also leads at YWCA Spokane.

Using these words from Hoffman as a foundation for her success with clients, Teresa puts her fine arts degree to use by being a consistent presence for women in the Spokane area who are working to get back on their feet after setbacks in life.


About YWCA’s Expressive Arts Group For Survivors

YWCA’s Expressive Arts Group for Survivors fosters healing through journaling, painting, crafting and other creative projects. Art supplies are provided and no experience is necessary.

This program is an example of a comprehensive array of support services provided within YWCA’s Women’s Opportunity Center.

Each offering provided within the Center supports positive change in the lives of survivors who seek our services, which is necessary to attain and preserve well-being and economic independence.

For questions about this program contact Teresa, Expressive Arts Facilitator, at teresad@ywcaspokane.org

Learn More


Art Supplies Needed

YWCA Spokane welcomes gift-in-kind and monetary donations in support of this art-based self-care series of classes for survivors of intimate partner violence. A wide range of supplies is needed including but not limited to: watercolor paper, mixed media art journals, acrylic paints, scrapbooking paper, rubber cement, canvases, plastic jars, cosmetic sponges, and paintbrushes. Contact Teresa at teresad@ywcaspokane.org with any questions.

Donations can be dropped off at YWCA Spokane, 930 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201, Attention: Women’s Opportunity Center. Online gifts can be made here with “Expressive Arts Group” in the comment line. Thank you sincerely for your support! 

Content provided by Kate Johnston, YWCA Women’s Opportunity Center Mentor.

By: Erica Schreiber

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