Challenging The Arts

Mission

Residents of nursing homes and rehabilitation centers frequently experience depression and loneliness. Children staying in hospitals, even for a very short time, experience boredom, restlessness, fear, and depression. Challenging The Arts provides a much needed service to those residents by bringing joy and inspiration to those lives through performing arts, they will benefit from this service by participating in the stretch exercises which consists of stretching legs, arms, neck and torso, by some dance techniques and tai chi. They will also be asked to sing along. This program gets them out of their rooms and they socialize with other residents of their building. While they watch the performers their thoughts are turned from depression to happiness, a feeling of belonging as they make new friends with people that like themselves would just be sitting in their rooms looking out a window, a realization that you can be handicapped and still lead a productive and happy life. Individuals who are mentally/physically challenged face challenges everyday. There are health issues, mental issues, and emotional issues that must be dealt with to keep these people healthy and productive. Challenging The Arts provides the exercise of their bodies and minds. Not only do members get their physical exercise, they experience the benefit of having an active social life with their peers, feelings of self-worth, and knowingly providing a much needed community service for others.