Digging For Creative Sparks
Written by Mont A. Kuykendall
Up Close and Personal - Spring 2009
They say that in everyone lies an artist. That the spark of a writer, an artist, an actor, or a musician exists in all of us; constantly struggling to emerge. And sometimes that spark can be all that is there to keep us warm in the coldest, hardest of times.
Cultivating those sparks is the goal of the Achieving Recovery Through Creativity (ARTC) program, a component of Preferred Family Healthcare (PFH), which is the largest provider of mental health treatment in Missouri. PFH developed the ARTC program specifically for addressing adolescent substance abuse, and providing an alternative approach to their treatment and recovery through the arts.
The program was conceived in 2003, by Kasey Harlin, an employee of PFH for sixteen years, and now the ARTC Project Director. “We started out with nothing but donated crayons in the beginning,” says Kasey describing the program’s humble beginnings. “From there we developed the ARTC program over the next three years to include a variety of different art mediums.” Kasey’s hard work and unique vision, one that would utilize the arts as a method for reaching troubled adolescents going through substance abuse treatment, caught on.
In 2006 the ARTC program was officially recognized, and has since been adopted by PFH in all of its adolescent facilities. “We are constantly working to improve the program by utilizing all aspects of the arts to connect with these teens,” Kasey says. “PFH has really allowed us to step outside the realm of treatment, and have been very pragmatic about reaching the kids; whatever it takes.”
Over 500 kids a year, between the ages of 12-17, now benefit from the ARTC program within St. Charles County through the PFH facilities located in St. Charles and Wentzville. It reaches another 26,000 students annually through the school-based educational program provided by the St. Charles Team Of Concern, which teaches and informs students while providing them with early intervention and services. Treatment is typically a 60 day residency and starts with a thorough screening and assessment by a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, or accredited Social Worker. Beyond defining the person’s issues, the screening also helps counselors to identify any strengths and interests that the individual may have, or any special needs.
“PFH has worked hard to develop a manual covering the ARTC program,” says Kasey, explaining the way that specific activities or interest are tailored for individual treatment. “We have a variety of projects that help young adults deal with different aspects of life, such as emotional expression, grief and loss, spirituality, team building, and even one covering the 12-Step program – all through the arts.” She points to a very large stone mosaic hanging on the wall. “That piece was created by about 25 kids as part of a team-building project. Working together is a very important aspect of treating many of the problems facing today’s teens.”
Truth be known, there is very little wall space not covered by some bit of art at the St. Charles facility. Paintings, drawings, and other creations adorn the halls, catching the eye. Many are excellent in form and design. All give testimony to the spark that is being fanned to life in many of these troubled youth by the ARTC program. Like boats being tossed by the waves of social labeling, and their own emotional and physical challenges, the arts seem to be providing these teens with a safe harbor, a quiet shore from which to begin again.
Some of the obstacles that face today’s substance abuser are daunting. As many as 50% of all juvenile offenders are also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and over 43 percent of youth receiving mental health treatment are dealing with multiple disorders, making the road to recovery a long and challenging one. “In St. Charles County the leading drugs of choice by teens are alcohol and marijuana, but others are finding their way into the community,” confides Bryan Quick, Eastern region program director. “We are seeing the kids starting to abuse as early as 8-9 years old, with the average age of onset being at about 10 or so.” Easy accessibility to drugs within the home, older siblings and neighborhood friends, and a growing drug network on the streets and in our schools are creating a whole new generation of kids who will have to walk the road to recovery. “My accomplishment comes from seeing the kids achieve a level of balance within themselves and within their community, which is the ultimate goal of Social Services,” Bryan says. “To see your clients being successful and achieving more than they did before your involvement makes it all worth it,” he concludes.
One participant in the program, a 15-year old girl, displays her artwork as we talk. So what do you like about the ARTC program, I ask? “I love painting the most,” she says with a big smile. She holds up a picture, expertly drawn, and easily recognizable, for me to see. “That is actually a portrait of me from when I was younger.” Dealing with anger issues, along with her substance abuse, she has gone from resenting her visits to ARTC to looking forward to her treatment visits. “It (the program) has taught me how to take my anger out on poetry or drawing. It helps me to release the frustration and anger that I have.” When asked what advice she would offer to other teens facing the challenges of today’s world, she responded with a depth of maturity unusual in one so young. “I would tell them to take a step back and realize they need to take care of themselves. They need to take a look around the world and know this is only a moment, and that moment isn’t all. They have their whole lives to look forward to,” she says in a quiet voice. “I have a lot to work on, but this program has really been helpful to me in my life.”
For Katie Hamilton, the ARTC point-of-contact for St. Charles and Community Support Worker (CSW), it’s all about expanding and finding new artistic outlets in support of the ARTC program. “We are constantly trying to develop different avenues where the kids can express themselves through art. And, community involvement is a very crucial part of the program,” Katie comments. To that point, she has organized several poet slams at Lindenwood University, art exhibitions at the Botanical Gardens, and other outside activities. “Reinforcement from the public can go a long way in building the confidence in these youth and can provide an avenue for successfully reentering society.”
Donations play an important part in maintaining the ARTC program. Local funding has been provided by a number of supporters including the Katee Hessler Foundation, St. Charles All-Mayors Charity Ball, and a recent gift of a new pavilion and basketball court was provided by proceeds raised at the St. Charles Mayor’s Golf Tournament. But more than money is needed. “We can always use volunteers,” states Katie. “Anyone who has an artist skill wanting to donate their time to teach a teen to paint, write, play an instrument or any of the other arts is always welcome.”
With future plans to improve and expand the ARTC program to encompass all of the arts, there is always something new on the horizon. “Eventually, we would like to see fully equipped music and art studios at each of our facilities,” explains Kasey. “There is still so much we haven’t done yet.”
Many people find it easier to say things through art. There are things that we can express through the touch of a canvas, the flow of a pencil or the sound of a musical note that cannot be otherwise voiced. The youth participating in the ARTC program, with the aid of some very special, dedicated people have been given an insight to the art inside themselves; a spark that may hold the key to their recovery, and provide a way back to their families, loved ones and a place in the community — a better life. It only takes a spark.
