A new group (the third session for our 2011-2012 sessions) started yesterday and we’re in full swing doing sock monkeys, journal prep, and discussing the elements of story telling and editing!

Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.

SESSION 3 (Jan 23- Feb 23) is full!  We are accepting applications for SESSION 4 that runs Feb 27 – Mar 29.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  If you are a youth between 19-28 and would like to arrange an interview for upcoming sessions, visit your local employment counselor or contact Katarina directly at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

Day 4 of Week 3 Session 2

Happy New Year!

Alison’s sock monkey

PSA for Passion Foundation in progress

PSA post production

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

Recommended:

SPACES & PLACES WE CREATE PROJECT!

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Art Therapy in Hospitals:

How cancer patients express themselves through art

The word “cancer” alone is one that can strike fear into anyone, especially when diagnosed. It can make people feel unsure of themselves, in a downward spiral, or feel like life is out of their reach. Many feel that they have to put on a front and act like they are strong and confident, when really, they don’t know what’s around the next corner. This is why art therapy is becoming a hit in hospitals around the country. It is a way for patients to let go of the turmoils of treatment, and express themselves through art. The stress, unknowingness, and sometimes the happiness are expressed through their painting, knitting, or sculpting.

Many art therapy sessions are different. Some rely on skills or teaching skills, while others focus on the process of making the art and not the product. Though these are both great therapies, many patients enjoy the art therapy session that are not as focused on skills. They claim that it gives them a way out, and a way to ease the anxieties about the choices they have to make. Since a cancer diagnosis, especially an aggressive one like, pancreatic or mesothelioma cancer, means a direct path of treatment, art therapy allows the patient to actually choose something or take control of their treatment.

Not only are there personal anecdotes of the successes of art therapy, but scientific studies also support the claims. A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that art therapy could reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to anxiety and pain of cancer patients. The study was conducted in the Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and after an hours of art therapy, patients reported significant reduction in eight of the nine symptoms measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. The study lasted for a four month period and by the end patients seemed to not feel symptoms of pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, lack of appetite, well-being or shortness of breath.

Today, many local art studios, traveling artist, or local natural healing groups go to nearby hospitals and nursing homes to offer art therapy. Though art therapy is offered for cancer patients or the chronically ill, many are bringing their children or family members to release some feelings or make it easier to talk. Many mothers claim that art therapy, made it easier for them to talk to their younger children about their cancer and what will be on the road ahead. If you know anyone diagnosed with cancer, enlighten them about art therapy, maybe it will help them in their road to recovery.

- Allison Brooks CONTACT

After a brainstorming session with Passion Foundation' s Loretta Cella last week, and initial filming Monday for part 1, the team filmed the principal portion of the PSA yesterday.

The theme is REFLECT/CONNECT/SUCCEED, building on the Passion Foundation’s core message on steps to self-empowerment.

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Passion Foundation

The Passion Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to building a network of self-aware, empowered young women who help other young women learn new skills, discover their goals and find their life’s passion.

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Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.

SESSION 3 (Jan 23- Feb 23) is full!  We are accepting applications for SESSION 4 that runs Feb 27 – Mar 29.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  If you are a youth between 19-28 and would like to arrange an interview for upcoming sessions, visit your local employment counselor or contact Katarina directly at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

Day 4 of Week 3 Session 2

Happy New Year!

Alison’s sock monkey

PSA for Passion Foundation in progress

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

The Passion Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to building a network of self-aware, empowered young women who help other young women learn new skills, discover their goals and find their life’s passion.

Principal photography tomorrow!

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Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.  We are taking applications for Session 3 which starts Jan 23, 2012.  One or two spots available for Jan 23- Feb 23 session!  The session after that runs Feb 27 – Mar 29.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  If you are a youth between 19-28 and would like to arrange an interview for upcoming sessions, visit your local employment counselor or contact Katarina directly at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

Day 4 of Week 3 Session 2

Happy New Year!

Alison’s sock monkey

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

–

Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.  We are taking applications for Session 3 which starts Jan 23, 2012.  4 out of the 6 spaces are filled at this point.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  If you are a youth between 19-28 and would like to arrange an interview for upcoming sessions, visit your local employment counselor or contact Katarina directly at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

Day 4 of Week 3 Session 2

Happy New Year!

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break.  After two weeks off, our students are back in full swing, currently working on a sound effects exercise.  They will also be concentrating full on their bio videos and a group public service announcement project!

Richard discovers his likeness in a painting by Callum!

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Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.  We are taking applications for Session 3 which starts Jan 23, 2012.  4 out of the 6 spaces are filled at this point.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  If you are a youth between 19-28 and would like to arrange an interview for upcoming sessions, visit your local employment counselor or contact Katarina directly at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

Day 4 of Week 3 Session 2

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

Here are some beautiful tidbits!  EXTRAORDINARY!

Yukon Young Offenders word on the street is if you go to YOF, they make you make a sock monkey….when youth are admitted lately, they ask” do I get to make a sock monkey? “We are in monkey making mania… rough and tumble teen aged boys are sewing them and enjoying it… grown men are doing it… I am completely amazed….Its a christmas time monkey miracle.

One went to a colleague as a secret santa present. Amongst the mostly medical staff it was no secret as to who had contributed the hand made monkey! She is a lovely German Pain Specialist and she loved her monkey. She said that no one had given her any sort of a doll since she was a child and she left hugging it.

My first sock monkey wasn't all that great...so he got thrown back in the "basket"...my neighbors daughter (2 yrs old ) was over visiting me...I do crafts with the neighborhood kids and she was over making a snowman with me....she saw the poor dejected monkey and just grabbed him and hugged him so tight!!..I asked her if she liked the monkey..she said "NO...LOVE him!!!....needless to say he jumped in her backpack and went to live with her....(he never even got his ears!) My second monkey was pink and purple stripes filled with lavender and dressed up with jewelry and bows.....and is in the arms of my 22 yr. old niece who is currently fighting a coma from a car accident in Sept...monkey goes to all her therapies with her and sleeps with her every night to soothe her...she is in the very agitated stage and they tell me monkey works!.....she should... she has all my healing intentions and love "programmed" into her! I live 5 hours away from her rehab and have a totally handicapped hubby I tend to....I cant get to her...so the little sock monkey is giving all my love to her for me!! Amazing little creatures..these monkeys!!!

I have loved making ‘sock monkeys’ and have particularly enjoyed your video.It is very peaceful and enjoyable to watch.I have showed a lot of people who have loved the way you communicate.The music is great.

My sons 15 year old friend has made one for his hardworking single mum for christmas.He was particularly taken with your heart and stitched a big one on.

I have made 10. One for every member of my family.It has been as you said ,very therapeutic. My husband has required more surgery in this last week and sock monkeys therapy has been good.I have told a lot of people about this and have honestly been surprised at the enthusiasm. One very lovely woman I spoke to..her son had just died at 31 and she was going to make monkeys out of his socks for his children. I have come across them many many times but the way you teach and communicate makes them very special.

I'm busy making monkeys & both daughters have enjoyed making them too. One was even fought over after we donated her to a charity raffle!

I came across this and thought that it was apropos, except for the fact that MAKING SOCK MONKEYS IS THERAPY! - Lisbeth

Poem by William:

Out of Spicy Noodle flavours? :O

Sure, they may not be a very healthy option… >.>

But non-spicy noodles taste like… Regret.

And they prepare easily.

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Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society combines film/visual art/life skills for youth 19+ who face barriers to employment.  Go to: http://www.intersectionsmedia.com/ 

Currently, we are running four 5-week sessions (6 students per session),  the first one started Oct 24.  Session 2 started Nov 28 and is currently underway.  We are taking applications for Session 3 which starts Jan 23, 2012.  4 out of the 6 spaces are filled at this point.

The student receives minimum wage for the 5 weeks and a session runs Mon-Thurs 9:30 – 5:30 within District 319 building (Main and Cordova).  To arrange an interview for upcoming sessions contact Katarina at kthorsen@shaw.ca.

See also:

Underway!

Day 2

Week 1

Digital Media Training

Drawing lessons

Vision Boards

Lights, Camera, Action!

PSA with Jocelyn Louise

Graduation Day Session 1

Week 1 Session 2

Week 2 Day 3

BladeRunners is a Province of British Columbia employment program that helps at-risk youth between ages 15-30 build careers in construction. The Province of British Columbia is the steward of the program and the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society [ACCESS] manages the program.

Operation Sock Monkey is a volunteer-run initiative in support of humanitarian organizations such as Clowns Without Borders (CWB) that provide laughter, hope and healing to communities around the world affected by disease, disaster and social/political turmoil. Handmade Sock Monkeys can be purchased or sponsored to be sent to children in need of a smile.

I have been doing Operation Sock Monkey work here on the West Coast for almost two years now!

Operation Sock Monkey Western Division provides sock monkey therapy to at-risk youth on the Downtown Eastside and in North Vancouver.

Lindsey Hodgson and OSM in Toronto continue to inspire me and continue to do incredible work in Canada and worldwide.  And you can help!  It feels so good!

I’m LOVING the latest Operation Sock Monkey merchandise!  LOVE!!!!

T-SHIRTS!

SPONSORSHIPS!

CALENDARS!

NOTE CARDS!

SOCK MONKEY KITS!

Yesterday I had minor surgery to remove some basal cell carcinoma’s from various limbs and face.  It was a bit more of an ordeal than I had anticipated and as the surgeon was stitching up my lip I had the urge to stitch and decided then that a new sock monkey was in the making! He is called Scar monkey – he seems quite happy with his scars and bandages. I just hope my surgeon has made a neater job of stitching up  my lip!  I think it was very healing to reproduce my stitches on my smiling sock monkey.

- Janet, participant, 6 Degrees of Creativity