Education United States Project #49927

Be a Bridge Builder for At-risk Kids in Virginia

by INMED Partnerships for Children, Inc.

Be a Bridge Builder for At-risk Kids in Virginia

Project Report | Jul 8, 2021
Budding Artists Turn Professional

By Nancy Baker | Communications Director

Art instructor Lisa Jones with budding art student

Dear Valued Supporter:

Thanks to your generosity, INMED USA has been able to expand its therapeutic programs for at-risk teens, including music therapy, mindfulness and cooking, among many other activities to help teens channel their creativity for stress relief. It turns out that we have a lot of budding artists in our midst!

A recent art therapy class to help teens cope with the stresses of COVID and navigate the challenges of adolescence evolved into a month-long art exhibit sponsored by the Loudoun County Arts Advisory Council at the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg, VA. The theme of the exhibit was Movement, and the works displayed were completely sold out.

A local network, DMTV, featured the exhibit and one of the artists in a heart-warming news segment. Also on hand were INMED US Programs Director Jennifer Smith and proud art instructor Lisa Jones, a professional artist who volunteers her time and talents to INMED USA and who arranged the art exhibit.

At the end of the exhibit, the teens were recognized by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors at a special reception where the teens got to meet the patrons who purchased their works of art.

Now that the teens are professional artists, several are considering pursuing their newfound talent as a career. With the support of community partners like you, youth have a safe place to express themselves at INMED USA’s Opportunity Center in Sterling, VA—and build skills for navigating the challenges life presents them.

Another art exhibit is planned for Fall 2021. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your ongoing support!

—The INMED USA Team

DMTV interviews Jennifer Smith & Lisa Jones

A universe of potential

An exploration of Movement

Links:

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Mar 22, 2021
A Lifeline for Children & Families in Need

By Nancy Baker | Communications Director

Computer training is narrowing the digital divide

INMED USA’s GlobalGiving campaign, Be a Bridge Builder for At-risk Kids in Virginia, is helping our team in Loudoun County, VA provide more innovative health and wellness programs, skills development classes and essential resources to families in need. As a supporter of this project, we are grateful for your continued interest. Here are a few highlights from the past three months:

Our basic computer skills class is helping narrow the digital divide for immigrant parents of children in the Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) system. Many parents have never used a computer, let alone attempt to navigate the county’s online platform to help their children with distance learning. This class, held on Saturday to accommodate work schedules, has been so successful that LCPS is now referring parents to INMED USA for assistance.
In January, INMED USA launched Teen Talk, a twice weekly Zoom session for teens to share their challenges, anxieties and successes as well as encourage each other through this particularly isolating time of COVID. It has been an effective tool for helping at-risk youth develop strong support networks.
Last Fall, INMED USA launched the Hangout, a weekly in person small group session for at risk teens. The teens participated in activities related to wellness and education. Sessions included a 30-minute fitness session and skills development, such as cooking and financial literacy. The small group sessions have provided teens with social connections and peer-to-peer interactions, missing from the lives of many due to COVID.
In January, INMED USA launched a virtual Homework Help program, a weekly Zoom session for elementary school students to receive homework support in the four core subjects. This service has been a huge resource to parents who have returned to work and struggle with supporting their children with distance learning.
Zumba! Launched in February, this fun virtual fitness class is held every Monday evening in Spanish. It quickly became our most popular health and wellness offering, particularly among non-English speakers, who have historically higher levels of lifestyle disease.
In January, INMED’s Opportunity Center became the go-to destination for free family and baby resources when it took over the inventory of It Takes a Village, Baby (a nonprofit baby resource organization). Our Opportunity Center serves over 100 moms each week, who desperately need the car seats, diapers and other essential supplies that INMED can now provide because of this generous gift.
Healthy Families Loudoun, a home visitation and parent education program first-time parents and parent-to-be, continues providing services virtually and receives new referral every week. Our parent education groups have served 144 unduplicated individuals since January.

These essential programs for vulnerable children and families would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. If you are not one already, please consider becoming a recurring donor to INMED USA. Thank you for being a champion for children and families in need in Loudoun County, VA.

The Hangout & Teen Talk are helping youth cope

Virtual homework help aids students & parents

INMED OC a new hub for baby supplies & equipment

Zumba in Spanish is a favorite new offering

Healthy Families Loudoun helps at-risk moms

Links:

INMED USA website

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