Salem Health and Wellness Foundation Provides Funding to Appel Farm At-risk, disadvantaged

April 6, 2009 - PRLog -- (Elmer, NJ March 31, 2009) Appel Farm is proud to announce that the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation has awarded a three-year grant  of $429,925.00 to fund an innovative project to bring the arts to Salem County populations that are unable to participate through traditional means.  Under the auspices of the Appel Farm Education Department, trained artist/educators will bring the HeART & Health program to those with mental and physical disabilities, the elderly in care facilities and at-risk families to promote their health and well-being.  This grant represents the largest given to Appel Farm from a private Foundation in its 50-year history. The HeArt & Health program, a contraction for Healing Art & Health, is envisioned as a long-term project that addresses the complete wellness of an individual, and acknowledges the interdependence of emotions with the health of mind and body.

“This program is a huge step forward in fulfilling our goal of providing life-long learning opportunities for people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds within our county,” noted Mark Packer, Executive Director of Appel Farm Arts and Music Center. “The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is a leader in enhancing quality-of-life for Salem County residents, and we are delighted to partner with them on this multi-faceted project.”

The healing power of the arts, and the benefits associated with creating something new and expressive, has long been documented. Arts therapy is an accepted tool in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and few would dispute the positive feelings of self-worth and happiness engendered through interaction with a creative medium. Through painting, ceramics, singing, movement, creative writing and more, people raise their level of satisfaction in life while experiencing the benefits of enhanced social interaction. Memory is improved and body movement can be enhanced. To bring these benefits to Salem County residents who have barriers to mainstream participation, HeArt & Health will work with four partner organizations in its pilot year: The Arc of Salem County; Tri-County Community Action Partnership/Salem Family Success Center; Mater Dei; Friends Village at Woodstown.  

A core group of arts-educators, trained by certified arts therapists, will work with each different population according to their needs. At-risk families will participate in workshops where parents and children learn communication skills, cooperation and teamwork. They will then have take-home art projects that will encourage shared activity that brings positive feelings to the family. Another project will personalize the living space of families in transitional housing.  Activities with the Arc of Salem County will include arts workshops at the end of the workday for clients. “Fridays at the Farm,” for the more severely disabled, will bring people to Appel Farm to focus on creative projects that are tactile.  Programs for the elderly at Mater Dei and Friends Village will be interactive and include singing, movement, songwriting and storytelling. “Clay on Wheels” will bring a portable clay studio to residents, and those who are visually impaired will be able to participate in the tactile projects.

There are many positive outcomes that are projected. Through research published by Dr. Gene Cohen, an expert in the area of creativity and aging, the elderly who participate in this programming will most likely experience improved general health and emotional well-being, improved mental alertness and cognitive powers and increased social interaction that reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation. Other positive impact for participants may include an improved sense of cooperation, respect and unity among family members, and the chance to participate in arts activities where limited opportunity existed before.

“This project has far-reaching merit,” stated Sr. Carol Adams, chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Salem Health & Wellness Foundation. “Appel Farm is uniquely qualified to bring these innovative programs to some of the most vulnerable residents of Salem County. And the fact that it is a long-term project will greatly enhance the benefits for participants.”

About the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation
Currently governed by a nine-member Board, the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation supports programs to improve the health and wellness of residents of Salem County by making grants to non-profit and other qualified organizations. The general areas of Foundation interest include improving access to health care, preventive care and wellness, and fostering career opportunities in health care.

About Appel Farm
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center is a non-profit regional arts center serving audiences, artists, and students. Programs include an overnight summer arts camp, concerts, family matinees, a major outdoor music festival, and classes for children and adults, outreach in New Jersey public schools and a conference center.  More information about Appel Farm can be found at www.appelfarm.org or by calling (856) 358-2472. Patrons with hearing or speech disabilities may call TRS (800) 852-7899 or dial 711. Appel Farm is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Individuals requiring assistance should contact the venue at (856) 358-2472.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and by the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation. Additional funding sources include corporations, foundations and individual contributions by friends, Trustees and alumni of Appel Farm.

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Appel Farm's mission is "to provide people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds with a supportive, cooperative environment in which to explore the fine and performing arts."