 |
History |
|
"Imagine with me for a moment that we in this circle are committed to the creation of a just, living, vibrant community comprised of many kinds of people. What all these people have in common is that they are wonderfully and complexly made and all are susceptible to the conditions of suffering that befall the human race." – Ken Kraybill |
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Was Formed -
In early 2002 Carolyn Hale asked a variety of directors, clients, and activists to meet and talk the need for support of the mentally ill in our area. At that time it was just a group of interested persons who cared about the mentally ill, saw a need and had passion to help. Artists from the Kirkland Art Center, staff from Community Psychiatric Clinic, and members of the Seattle Raging Grannies, came together and“Circle of Friends for Mental Health” was formed.
Projects of Art, Creative Writing, Drama, Music and Laughter Take Shape -
Art-
The first outreach project came in the winter of 2002 where, in an effort to “find ways for the clients to make Christmas/Holiday gifts”, the “Gifts that keep on giving” art and craft session were held in homes and at Keystone Club House. Together the newly formed group brought T shirts to personalize, cups/ceramics to paint, and cards to decorate. Rosy Betz-Zall and her husband entertained us with holiday music and “goodies” were given by the hosting homes and volunteers.
Regular sessions with Arts and Crafts are now part of the program. We continue to go back to create gifts or do craft projects and when we do, people/clients come to us and want to participate. They remember us. A few COF volunteers prepared to make placemats and pillowcases with an older women's group and were surprised to find that ten men came that had created with us before.
Kathe Dooley one of our Arts leaders has since taught members to make pillow covers, wall decorations and dresser covers as projects to help beautify the client's rooms.
The momentum of the Holiday gift making sessions caused energy that was harnessed and since that time regular programs and activities have taken form.
Creative Writing –
The first creative writing group led by Margaret Zooker took place in early 2003. Margaret has been busy creating and writing with clients weekly ever since. The COF has plans to print their creative work with proceeds going back to the clients.
Drama-
In 2003 Drama was started with two simple sessions at the Keystone Center led by the Director of the Kirkland Art Center who gave her time leading fun groups in art activity and improvisation. There were several clients who did not come to the center of the room with the group, but did follow the directions and participate from their corner.
Music-
Musical entertainment was performed given by several clients during our holiday events.. For the holiday craft event in 2003 we asked Vern (DSI) to come and entertain. He came alright accompanied by seven other clients to join the party. The music was lively, gifts were made and a tradition was begun. Several people were dancing to the music and the “music followers” asked to be invited to all the events we sponsored. We heard later that this was the first time that DSI had played in public. And our support for a new artist was begun Laughter-
In 2003 we had sessions of “laughter” given by Karen Schneider-Chen. This was very popular with the clients.
Board of Directors, Articles of Incorporation and Mission Statement are formalized–
In August 2003 the Articles of Incorporation were created and the first board was sanctioned.
|
Outreach and Fund Raising –
In late 2003 we put out information to collect some supplies that homes needed. A Donation Depot on Stone Way now keeps donated items and will even go out and pick up items upon request. Furniture, household supplies along with and arts supplies have been donated and distributed.. We have solicited and received some beads, fabrics, and paints for our activities from craft stores and the community members.
In April 2004 the first Fund Raising letter was mailed out to a list of 150 names gathered by the board.
Non Profit Status Received-
We filed for Non-profit status in July 2003 and received it in December 2003.
2004 Programs in place-
The board approved the 2004-2005 goals and objectives including focusing our work on three local centers; Emerald House, Wallingford center and Keystone.
UW Interns join program-
In Spring of 2004 the University of Washington recognized the CIRCLE OF FRIENDS for Mental Health as a program in which interns would receive credit for participation. The first two interns participated in the Spring-Summer program schedule.
Inception Date of Organization: July 7, 2003
Non Profit Status received on: January 13, 2004
Area Served: Currently focused in Seattle with plans to support all of King County
Number of people to benefit from this Project/Program: 420 in 2004, 2500