Rotary Club of Lake Forest Lake Bluff were delighted to welcome Kevin Bishop, Laura Harper & Vickie Marasco from the Art Impact Project to our weekly breakfast meeting. We learned about the history and mission of the organization:
In 2014, our founder (an artist and Lake County resident) created our organization after witnessing firsthand how art-making could help adolescents in drug and alcohol treatment. Inspiration came while supporting a family member through recovery and participating in family group sessions. She noticed that despite access to specialized services, words alone were not enough to support adolescents in treatment. After approaching a local intensive outpatient program with the idea of leading an art project to assist existing programming, she witnessed something remarkable: during that first session, many teens who had been quiet for months became their most verbal and expressive while making and discussing their art. In that moment of connection, care, and creativity, Art Impact Project was born.
The organization is dedicated to improving lives by alleviating stress, promote healthy coping skills and behaviors through their programs. More information opportunities to get involved or provide support can be found on their website.
