community engagement

Community Art Therapy | Memory Bracelets

This workshop was focused on creating meaningful memory bracelets to honor our loved ones who have passed and celebrate cherished relationships with those still in our lives. Through the art of bracelet making, we explored grief, memory, and the ways we carry connection.

This workshop was led by Yekseny Guerrero, MA, ATR-P, starting the process by asking “What does grief mean to you?” Participants shared openly - describing their own experiences and feelings. Yekseny continued by asking “Do you go through the grief stages in order?” and reminded everyone that grief is different for everyone. Before we began crafting, Yekseny invited everyone to relax in their chairs, take some breathers, and to focus on a on loss of a loved one or someone personal to them - telling them to allow themselves to feel.

It was time to make bracelets. Yekseny went through each charm/bead, as everyone chose their own. Each charm/bead represented their loved one’s favorite things and what reminded them of their loved ones. Once finished, each bracelet was tied and worn.

Thank you Yekseny for guiding with such care, and to every participant who showed up with openness.

District 89 Back-To-School Picnic

It was great to be a part of District 89’s Annual Back-to-School Picnic! We were able to get the chance to share information about The Firehouse Dream and how students can get involved with our upcoming programming at our Proviso East Calm Room and PMSA Health Club. In addition, The Firehouse Dream has workshops that the entire family can attend! We gave away resources with additional information and displayed the mental health kits for our community to see. Lastly, we shared our upcoming Mental Health Kit giveaways at Proviso schools. Families are invited to help us pack Kits in preparation for our giveaway on September 10th, 6 PM to 8 PM!