Issue: Various

Organization: eXile International

In the several months since painting live at a Falling Whistles event here in Denver, I’ve made several connections across the country with fantastic individuals working to end the more than 20-year war going on in the Congo, and the devastating effects it’s had on its people. I met Beth Haley through Facebook, who contacted me to ask the meaning behind my “There is Freedom in Story” piece, and had the honor of sitting down to coffee with her a few months ago when she passed through town.

Beth’s passions are evident. The instant connection and inspiration I felt in our conversation are sure to be the experience of all others who have the same privilege. Started over a year ago, Beth helped found an organization called eXile International, which “exists to instill hope, healing, and love to the trauma victims of Africa by providing trauma counseling, art therapy programs and by teaching peace, reconciliation and conflict resolutions skills.”

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Tags: Africa, ALARM, Art Therapy, Beth Haley, Child Soldiers, Conflict Resolution, Congo, Counseling, eXile International, Falling Whistles, Trauma

Issue: Domestic Violence

Organization: NewstART

A couple months ago, I found the Break the Silence Project, which seeks to “help create more awareness and dialogue on issues surrounding sexual abuse.” Through getting in touch with its founder, Dawn, I’ve been introduced to several fantastic artists, and this week’s feature is one of them. Chastity Roberts uses acrylics, multi-media and photography to help NewstART for the Family Justice Center. Chastity sent me the following story to let me in on a bit of what drives her art to help a greater cause.

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Tags: Art Therapy, Break the Silence, Domestic Violence, Family Justice Center, Haven House, Sexual Abuse

Issue: Various

Organization: The Mwelu Foundation

I am exceedingly honored this week to be posting the story of Julius Mwelu. Julius’ story came to me through Sarah Parker, a mutual friend though a former graduate school classmate of mine, Mackenzie Berg. Sarah follows Mackenzie’s own blog, where Mackenzie had made mention of some happenings here at social he(art), and I’m thankful to Sarah for following up (especially given that her internet connection in Kenya is extremely poor).

Mackenzie and myself have both spent considerable time researching participatory documentary photography projects, like those found through Kids with Cameras (featured in the well-known documentary, Born into Brothels), and The Rwanda Project, which encourage locals (particularly children in these cases), to use photography as a means by which to tell their own stories and show their world from their own, personal perspectives. So, given my own heart for participatory photography, I am absolutely thrilled to have been introduced to Julius Mwelu and his organization, The Mwelu Foundation.

Julius lives in Kenya, where he uses his photography to reach out to and work on several issues, including displaced persons, orphans, street children, poverty, education, and political violence. Below is his amazing story; let it inspire you.

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Tags: Africa, Displaced People, Education, Kenya, Mathare Slum, Mwelu Foundation, Orphaned Children, Photography, Political Violence, Politics, Poverty, Shootback, Street Children, Videography

Issue: Domestic Violence

Organization: Sojourner Family Peace Center

This week: more on art therapy! Shana R. Goetsch is an artist who found me through a connection I have to the Break the Silence Project. The Break the Silence Project is geared toward creating dialogue around issues of sexual abuse, and encourages the use of art as a means of expression. I recently stumbled on the project while doing research regarding human trafficking and have been so thrilled to connect with its creator, Dawn.

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Tags: Art Therapy, Break the Silence Project, Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse, Sojourner Truth House