By Nancy Baker | Communications Director
Dear INMED USA Supporter:
It never ceases to amaze us how talented our program participants are when they're just given the opportunity to shine. We are grateful for all our community partners, who share their talents and skills with kids and families at our Opportunity Center. They work tirelessly with our kids and teens to help them harness their self-expression through art, music and dance for better well-being, stronger self-confidence and even income. Read on to learn about our recent activities, thanks to your support!
Art Therapy Program Provides Wellbeing and Income
A growing facet of INMED USA's teen program is Painting Club and art therapy with local professional artists. After a successful exhibit and auction last June at the Loudoun County Government Center, the teens have taken a greater interest in producing art for income—and they're doing quite well!
Throughout the spring, the teens produced enough works of art to hold two virtual art auctions, organized by INMED USA’s youth mentor. The auctions were followed by an exhibit and reception, where the artists and their parents met the collectors who purchased their work. The teens also received special awards. "It's such a thrill to see the progression of their talents," says our youth mentor. Several of the teens are now pursuing careers in the arts as a result of their involvement in the program. A new exhibit of the teens' paintings is currently underway at multiple locations in Northern Virginia.
Dancing Their Way to Brighter Futures
Kids in the INMED USA after-school program enjoy a variety of STEAM enrichment activities, including dance. Along with art and music therapy, dance allows children to express themselves, practice discipline and experience joy.
The after-school dancers have performed at numerous events, including the recent Latino Festival in Loudoun County, VA. The students practiced for this event with a local professional choreographer and dance instructor twice a week since April. Their moms also got involved by making costumes and applying makeup on the day of the event.
"The kids always look forward to their dance practice," says INMED USA’s Operations Manager. "It always surprises me how focused they get. They're even asking for more dance practices."
The students have learned a variety of dances—from traditional mariachi to hip hop. They're getting so good that the students have been invited to perform at several events this summer and fall.
Coming Soon: INMED Aquaponics® Social Enterprise in Virginia
INMED USA’s Programs Director recently returned from the launch of the first INMED Aquaponics® Social Enterprise (INMED ASE) in the Caribbean, and she is gung-ho to fast track the first INMED ASE in the US!
The INMED ASE is the latest initiative of INMED Partnerships for Children to address global food security, climate-change adaptation, inclusion, sustainable livelihoods and other intertwined causes of systemic poverty. Learn more at https://inmedase.org.
As you can see, our programs are making a lasting impact on children, teens and families. If you haven't done so already, please consider becoming a recurring donor to help us expand our impact in the USA. We are grateful for your support!
Wishing you all the best until our next report!
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