By Susan Parma | President
When I visited a class at Nexus Recovery Center in December, a new group of children had just entered the treatment center with their Moms. I joined the children’s class. What a sad testament to the effects of drug abuse on the children in a family. The new children are dramatically different than children who have lived at and experienced the treatment center for several weeks. It is difficult for the new youngsters to sit still and listen, many of the 4 year olds were still in diapers, they did not know their colors, had trouble introducing themselves in a group and were anxious and restless.
Repeatedly I am impressed by the patience and loving nature of the staff. They make a huge difference in these children's lives in a very short time. They set boundaries of acceptable behavior and temper their discipline with love and respect. Their speech is positive and rewarding and affirming. .
It is in this environment that Dance to Live offers it's classes. Begun as a vehicle to pass on Michelle's love of dance, Dance to Live offers grants to non-profit organizations which provide dance therapy, yoga, and expressive movement programs that are designed specifically for the children in their care. Movement therapy is a healthy and effective method for a child to transcend the challenges of the moment and work toward emotional and physical wellbeing.
I was so happy to see progress in just this one class, as the children began to meet expectations and participate fully in the program. The feeling in the room went from concern (doing something new) to enthusiasm and smiles. That’s just how captivating Dance to Live is!
I know that what we do at Nexus Recovery Center, and other shelters in which we provide services, honors the kind, loving, accepting personality of Michelle. What we do is healthy, stimulating, and lots of FUN! We use physical activity to bond participants through integrated and challenging movement.
Thank you for supporting us – and lending a helping hand to these young mothers and their children.
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