From home-baked snacks to handmade blankets, a little extra love can go a long way. And that’s exactly what Trinity Living Center (TLC) participants and teammates are providing to creative arts students at Henderson Independent High School, a public alternative learning program in Salisbury, N.C.
A win-win partnership
For the past several years, Henderson students have worked with artists from Salisbury’s Center for Faith & the Arts to build positive self-expression skills. Through the Center’s Class Act program, artist-in-residence Shane Manier and other professionals lead the students in creative projects such as painting and poetry – practicing skills like conflict resolution and anger management along the way. “We’ve had two students decide to leave a gang situation as a result of this program,” Manier says.
But as with so many small nonprofit programs, Class Act operates on a limited budget – which is why an in-kind partnership with TLC was a win for everyone involved.
“We’re happy to provide snacks for the art students each week,” says TLC Life Enrichment Specialist Andrea Moore. “I work with our folks to make cupcakes, cookies, and popcorn for the kids, and we include little notes of encouragement. It’s a great way for our participants to feel they’re making a difference in the wider community.”
Little things mean a lot
One TLC participant recently crocheted a blanket for every student in the arts program. Pastor Jill King, the chaplain at Trinity Oaks senior living community, blessed the blankets before they were presented to students.
“Many of our students are in foster care situations and don’t get to spend time with their families of origin during the holidays. Some of them don’t receive Christmas gifts,” notes Manier. “When we delivered the blankets to the students, I expected some of the boys to think they were ‘uncool’ – but the boys were the most excited of all!”
“Little gestures like snacks and blankets mean so much,” Manier adds. “Knowing there are people in the community who care makes our students feel empowered. It helps them develop a positive sense of self.”