This initiative has been an excellent resource for persons in recovery. When an individual finally finds affordable housing, they are often limited to the decorating options of the landlord. The apartments can feel dark and dank, and have no personal touch thus continuing the cycle of feeling less of a person. Through the Creative Strokes Network, individuals are able to begin to see their brighter future. A person gets to make a decision about what he/she would like in his/her home and see it come into fruition with the assistance of his/her peers. The peers that volunteer to participate in the HEATs begin to learn the value of supporting others, making contributions and giving of one's self. That the simple extension of a helping hand can be so rewarding and uplifting. The social connections can begin to develop and people take one step closer to their recovery. This partnership is an excellent resource that others should support whole heartedly.
This proposal is innovative in so many ways. It helps people in recovery to help themselves through the building of self esteem and the strengthening of relations. One of its key features, though not mentioned, is the ease with which the idea can be replicated and scaled. Really great ideas share these features of replication and scalability.
The Creative Strokes Network is a wonderful way for peers to become involved in their community, develop new skills and hobbies, and create new relationships with others. Having participated in one of the original HEATs, it was rewarding to be a part of the bigger picture. Watching an individual's living space transform is truly a positive experience. Peers who have had the opportunity to participate in the HEATs have also learned new skills and techniques that they have been able to bring in to their own living spaces such as organizational skills and unique interior decorating. The program encourages growth and development for those individuals who are on the journey of recovery and is beneficial for all who participate.
Lois's vision of a enhancing the quality of life and the personal sense of self-worth of marginalized people has become a reality, person by person, room by room, nudge by nudge. The value is evident not only for the person whose room is being made over, but for the participants who help give each room new life. By learning skills like painting, making decisions (e.g., what color to use) and organizing the activities needed for each HEAT, peers begin to realize their own potentential to make a positive difference. The inherent beauty of the model is that it can become nearly self-sustaining, requireing modest oversight and directional guidance for the peers. Finally, there is the postitive social network that the home makeovers afford each participant, reducing the sense of loneliness that has historically been a hallmark of marginalized people. Jim's comment, "You held the hope for me", speaks volumes about the value of this initiative.
----------
TMH
This is really an exciting program and it is great to see so much enthusiasm about it! I am wondering if you can provide us with some examples of people and situations where you have seen the beneficiaries of your program make some behavioral changes. I really like the program and I am wondering if you could provide some more clarification as to where the nudges come in to play. It is obvious that there is impact here, and I'm looking for some more information on the behavioral health nudges that come into play following the room make overs. I am really curious!
It will be our pleasure to identify any behavioral changes for you given the elapsed time since some peers painted their rooms. I will bring this up for a focused group discussion at our HEAT meeting this Tuesday. I'll have them share how they have changed and and learn what they believe would help nurture such changes. We may even post a few more videos on YouTube and have them share their comments online here! Of course, the individual's physical and mental health challenges have a bearing on their progress as does the availability of follow-up (such as peer support to help KEEP spaces clean and de-cluttered).
In the meantime, could you please identify a few specific types of behavioral health nudges YOU might want to learn more about. We would like to be as responsive as possible.
Thank you again so much for your request! We will follow through!
Thanks for getting back to us. I am looking forward to what comes out of your meeting.
Personally, I'd be interested in better understanding how people's behavior changes in terms of diet and nutrition and especially in their active life. Do you see people become more active or willing to take part in physical activities outdoors, in groups, individually, etc.? That to me is quite interesting, but I am sure we'll find all of the behavioral changes fascinating!
The Creative Strokes Network wants to respond to the question about the long-term impact painting a room has on the behavior of those involved. To do this, the "Self-Stigma-Busting" HEAT Task Force of peers with mental health and other challenges met last week to explore the difference it had made for them to this point. They decided to have the Network create seasonal and annual celebrations to recognize contributions and publicize achievements, with community members making awards that support ongoing progress.
This will begin with a "SPRING FORWARD" CHALLENGE to help each other identify personal and network goals and ways to support each other in reaching them. Details are on the Creative Strokes website at our URL: http://saboe.shutterfly.com/CHALLENGE Please let us know what you think by responding here. We welcome ideas and feedback.
We will be tracking progress on the website and posting sample videos here (see "Dianne Health Care" video with YouTube videos)
In reading the comments by Melinda (LoneStart) about behavioral nudges that work, I want to underscore what is also true for the Creative Strokes Network (Room Makeover Awards) by putting certain words in CAPS:
"During the challenge period PARTICIPANTS SUPPORT AND HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THEIR TEAM as they begin to incorporate healthier lifestyle choices. Membership in a team gives the individual an IDENTITY beyond one’s self. It has been said that, “Teamwork is the FUEL that allows common people to attain uncommon goals.” By promoting Team Esteem with program participants, LoneStart maximizes participation in and commitment to the organization, and WHEN AT-RISK PARTICIPANTS PROVIDE DRAMATIC EVIDENCE (TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS) THAT THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR WELLNESS BEHAVIORS, THEY VALIDATE THE INITIATIVE AND CREATE THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW AND SUSTAINABLE CULTURE OF WELLNESS."
Creative Strokes Network participants each form their own Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) which helps them not only paint and refresh a room, but also complete self-identified personal projects (e.g., entertaining, spring cleaning, decluttering, winterizing, etc.) and network development.
All my best,
----------
Lois Saboe, MSW
Education & Community Resource Associates
P.S. I am curious to what extent it would help Ashoka/Changemakers to have competition participants create their own small mutual support teams to share best practices and lessons learned.
The power of peers, working together as crews, improve participant living environments while also building their self-esteem, social and work skills. Creative Strokes is creative engine for the mental health community and provides a stepping stone for participants toward the world of work. This is a nudge that works ... and you can see the results on the participants and their rooms immediately. It is also a partnership with local suppliers (like Home Depot) which makes it very cost effective.
We in the Mental Health field often talk about the whole person. We give them Psychiatric Supervision, Case management help and even help with community involvement to one degree or another; one of the areas I so often see is people fall through the cracks of not having residential case management which help them keep their homes organized and clean.
We all know that when our homes are organized and cleaned we feel a sense of relief of some type. Can you imagine coming home to a place where you may not even be able to see the floor or stand the smell of the bathroom? There are far too many people out there in this particular situation; it is nice to find a person that care enough to help where there isn't any.
I have seen firsthand that this process called a HEAT can do for someone. I see and hear them talk about a new sense of freedom, a sense of accomplishment, a sense of motivation that they didn't have before help came to them via this thing we call a HEAT. This process helps facilitate change in one psyche, which in return helps people feel more motivated to change their behaviors and their outlook on life. I know this sounds farfetched, but we see it happen with every HEAT accomplished.
What Lois is doing is helping take care of one of the pieces of the puzzle that is often over looked in helping a person feel whole. Good luck and I hope that many foundations and grants are award to you for all that you can accomplish with is idea.
Kelly,
You say: "I know this sounds farfetched, but we see it happen with every HEAT accomplished."
I believe your point about the life-changing impact a Room Makeover has on the "whole person" is valid and important to underscore. For example, K lived in a very small poorly furnished boarding room with a refrigerator. The color of the walls before-hand reminded her of a cardboard box and having been homeless for years, she said it was as if she still was. While the rest of her life was going well, this was something she would hide from others and would not have people visit. Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) members helped her declutter and paint. Donors replaced the old, terribly stained mattress and carpeting among other things. Waking up in a freshly painted room on a clean bed the word that captured the powerful sensation she had not felt in so long was "DIGNITY."
And THAT is self-motivating. She delighted in having people visit after that.
----------
Lois
Thjis is an excellent project. Peers helping peers can have such a long term effect not just for the person helped, but for the helpers. Self image is improved and a real sense of accomplishment is evident. This Program also provides an opportunity for related activities related to things like furniture acquisition, clothing etc.
For many years I thought that people with pschiatric disabilities ought to live in homes that lend to health, rather than detract from it. Lois was the first person I met who put an idea out there that not only speaks to the issue of quality living space, but effectively weaves peer mentoring and leadership into it.
I have witnessed the HEAT process and it's outcomes. Volunteers feel pride and those who's space is cleaned, organized and painted just love the results!! Many smiles can been seen during this process...............
Working with Lois to bring together a partnership of people who hold the hope that change is eminent, has been an invigorating challenge and experience that is transforming. Lois has shown so much dedication to this idea and it's fruition!!
Being involved in a HEAT myself and seeing the apartment before and after you can see how much joy it brings to the consumers life. Before the HEAT was conducted the consumer seemed to be ashamed of the apartment and as a result didnt take care of it as much. Since the HEAT the consumer now appreciates his apartment and takes care of it. The HEAT was done about six months ago and the consumer still takes care of his apartment and is proud of it. It is a great thing what all the members of Creative Strokes and HEAT are doing for the consumers and I am proud to have been a part of it.
Hi Lois,
I've been looking at entries in this competition, and thinking of ways to "interact, or collaborate" a little more, and while looking at your entry again, a question occurred to me. When you do a Room Makeover, or Paint-A-Room project, how much input does the "owner" have? I know moods can be influenced somewhat by color and I wondered if this was an influence you have any control over when you choose colors or makeover materials? I would just guess that the more input an "owner" has into the final project, perhaps the greater sense of pride?
Residents select their favorite colors when painting a room in their home. When we do a "Community Room Makeover" where they meet regularly (e.g., at a clubhouse), peers will jointly choose a color that turns them on. You are on target to guess that having this right and responsibility adds to the heartfelt pride that members feel about having transformed the room from "before" to "after".
It is so true that the more input they have into the final project, the greater their sense of pride. I would bet that participants could point to which of the many doors they primed and painted when they transformed the third floor of the clubhouse. A staff member says that what she hears most consistently when bringing people up there now describes the difference: "Wow, I can FEEL the energy. It is so ENERGIZING!" And that is what the peers had inside them; not the dull eggshell that surrounded everyone for decades, or the gray that would have gone up if they didn't have input... but this reflection of their spirit and inner beauty.
Our core values are so similar, Melinda. Please know how much we would love to have the members pilot the Lone Start Wellness program here. If you are interested in testing the ability of this target population to use it effectively please let me know. We want a full toolkit for furthering lifestyle/behavior changes and painting a room is our first needed nudge, not our last. (e.g., see our website at http://saboe.shutterfly.com to learn about the "Spring Forward" Challenge.)
----------
Lois
We've implemented our program in many different populations, including corporate groups, small and large community groups, clinics, hospitals, and on an individual participant basis. We're in the process of getting ready to kick-off several county-wide initiatives (we hope), and are talking with local insurance providers about incorporating what we offer into their policies as a wellness element/ component. We are always looking for new avenues to explore and would very much like to talk with you about ways we can implement the LoneStart Wellness strategy with your Creative Stroke network. I don't see any reason why your target population couldn't benefit from this program--and the benefits are all open-ended! I can give you as much information as you need or would like. When values are shared at the beginning, that's a sure path to success! Part of our uphill battle has and continues to be that "wellness" is a vague term (sort of like poetry-- you can give an example but it's hard to define).
I look forward to your feedback and to exploring how we can enrich your toolkit.
Having seen the results of this Peer program, where the individuals help one another to improve their lives by improving the living environment, I have been very impressed with the camradery among the individuals involved. Their feeling of accomplishment during and at the end of each project is a delight to see. Kudos to the originator of this concept.
----------
Rita
What a wonderful program! The idea that if our personal space is blank or dreary does affect how we feel! While I am not fully aware of what you are doing, I wanted to point out an article I read just the other day in Scientific Mind, regarding the study of architecture on the psyche.
Hola, el trabajo es excelente, Felicitaciones!!! Se asemeja a un programa que se está realizando en la Argentina que se llama MÁS COLOR, también consiguen mejorar la calidad de vida. Comienzan por cambiar el color de las viviendas, pintando las casas de los barrios más carenciados. Y los que realizan las tareas son los mismos propietarios. Lo difícil es el financiamiento de los materiales y de la pintura.
Saludos Coridales!!!
(entren en nuestro www.dondequieroestar.blogspot.com) ya que nosotros también utilizamos la pintura y el color para que las pacientes expresen sus sentimientos y lograr así mayor adaptación y tolerancia al tratamiento de QUIMIOTERAPIA.
Vicky Viel Temperley
Muchas gracias para su refuerzo positivo, Vicki. Creo que su programa (Donde Quiero Estar) es inestimable también. Cuando la gente en la recuperación comparte su espíritu único con talento y colores que revivifican, esto es una inspiración. En la "Creative Strokes Network," cuando el personal realmente recoge una brocha y se divierte trabajando junto a ellos en su propio tiempo, ellos ganan un nuevo nivel de confianza y apreciación de los pares. ¡El personal que se ofrece para ayudar es capaz de disfrutar tanto de aprendizaje juntos como de celebración de éxitos compartidos!
----------
Lois
Translation: Many thanks for your positive reinforcement. I believe your program (Donde Quiero Estar) is priceless as well. When people in recovery share their unique spirit with talent and revitalizing colors, it is an inspiration. In the Creative Strokes Network, when staff actually pick up a paintbrush and have fun working alongside them in their free time, they earn a new level of trust and appreciation from the peers. Staff who volunteer to help enjoy both learning together and celebrating shared successes!
The Creative Strokes Network is a fantastic program launched by people in recovery in Bridgeport, CT who volunteer to get together to paint and decorate each others' apartments. While the mental health system has focused on helping people to secure housing, only the person in recovery him or herself, along with his or her friends and family, can make 'housing' into a home. The Creative Strokes Network takes that additional step, and in doing so creates wonderful opportunities for people to take ownership and pride in where they live, securing for themselves not only housing but a true sense of home; something we know to be crucial to sustained recovery. In the process, people 'pay it forward' by giving back to others, learning new skills, gaining self-confidence, and, in the end, taking part in celebrations of their accomplishments. It has been truly transformative in people's lives, and should be replicated everywhere and often.
On May 11, 2009, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators who are seeking solutions that help people make better choices regarding their health and the health of others. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“This is a great idea that holds a lot of potential for expanding into a community service project, maybe even a reality show with a twist! “
“Is there a way to expand your idea to a large scale? Can you connect with the TV show Trading Spaces? The initiative targets a very specific health group, but one that is traditionally overlooked. Great combination of building self-efficacy in the targeted population as well as helping to improve their living environment.”
- Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” Judges: Doutores da Alegria, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Cornell Food and Brand Lab: Cornell University, Innovations in Health @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Pediatrics: University of California San Francisco.
Comments
This initiative has been an excellent resource for persons in recovery. When an individual finally finds affordable housing, they are often limited to the decorating options of the landlord. The apartments can feel dark and dank, and have no personal touch thus continuing the cycle of feeling less of a person. Through the Creative Strokes Network, individuals are able to begin to see their brighter future. A person gets to make a decision about what he/she would like in his/her home and see it come into fruition with the assistance of his/her peers. The peers that volunteer to participate in the HEATs begin to learn the value of supporting others, making contributions and giving of one's self. That the simple extension of a helping hand can be so rewarding and uplifting. The social connections can begin to develop and people take one step closer to their recovery. This partnership is an excellent resource that others should support whole heartedly.
This proposal is innovative in so many ways. It helps people in recovery to help themselves through the building of self esteem and the strengthening of relations. One of its key features, though not mentioned, is the ease with which the idea can be replicated and scaled. Really great ideas share these features of replication and scalability.
The Creative Strokes Network is a wonderful way for peers to become involved in their community, develop new skills and hobbies, and create new relationships with others. Having participated in one of the original HEATs, it was rewarding to be a part of the bigger picture. Watching an individual's living space transform is truly a positive experience. Peers who have had the opportunity to participate in the HEATs have also learned new skills and techniques that they have been able to bring in to their own living spaces such as organizational skills and unique interior decorating. The program encourages growth and development for those individuals who are on the journey of recovery and is beneficial for all who participate.
Lois's vision of a enhancing the quality of life and the personal sense of self-worth of marginalized people has become a reality, person by person, room by room, nudge by nudge. The value is evident not only for the person whose room is being made over, but for the participants who help give each room new life. By learning skills like painting, making decisions (e.g., what color to use) and organizing the activities needed for each HEAT, peers begin to realize their own potentential to make a positive difference. The inherent beauty of the model is that it can become nearly self-sustaining, requireing modest oversight and directional guidance for the peers. Finally, there is the postitive social network that the home makeovers afford each participant, reducing the sense of loneliness that has historically been a hallmark of marginalized people. Jim's comment, "You held the hope for me", speaks volumes about the value of this initiative.
----------
TMH
Hi Lois,
This is really an exciting program and it is great to see so much enthusiasm about it! I am wondering if you can provide us with some examples of people and situations where you have seen the beneficiaries of your program make some behavioral changes. I really like the program and I am wondering if you could provide some more clarification as to where the nudges come in to play. It is obvious that there is impact here, and I'm looking for some more information on the behavioral health nudges that come into play following the room make overs. I am really curious!
Thanks and good luck!
Chloe Feinberg
Ashoka
Full Economic Citizenship
Hello Chloe,
It will be our pleasure to identify any behavioral changes for you given the elapsed time since some peers painted their rooms. I will bring this up for a focused group discussion at our HEAT meeting this Tuesday. I'll have them share how they have changed and and learn what they believe would help nurture such changes. We may even post a few more videos on YouTube and have them share their comments online here! Of course, the individual's physical and mental health challenges have a bearing on their progress as does the availability of follow-up (such as peer support to help KEEP spaces clean and de-cluttered).
In the meantime, could you please identify a few specific types of behavioral health nudges YOU might want to learn more about. We would like to be as responsive as possible.
Thank you again so much for your request! We will follow through!
----------
Lois
Hi Lois-
Thanks for getting back to us. I am looking forward to what comes out of your meeting.
Personally, I'd be interested in better understanding how people's behavior changes in terms of diet and nutrition and especially in their active life. Do you see people become more active or willing to take part in physical activities outdoors, in groups, individually, etc.? That to me is quite interesting, but I am sure we'll find all of the behavioral changes fascinating!
Thanks again,
Chloe
The Creative Strokes Network wants to respond to the question about the long-term impact painting a room has on the behavior of those involved. To do this, the "Self-Stigma-Busting" HEAT Task Force of peers with mental health and other challenges met last week to explore the difference it had made for them to this point. They decided to have the Network create seasonal and annual celebrations to recognize contributions and publicize achievements, with community members making awards that support ongoing progress.
This will begin with a "SPRING FORWARD" CHALLENGE to help each other identify personal and network goals and ways to support each other in reaching them. Details are on the Creative Strokes website at our URL: http://saboe.shutterfly.com/CHALLENGE Please let us know what you think by responding here. We welcome ideas and feedback.
We will be tracking progress on the website and posting sample videos here (see "Dianne Health Care" video with YouTube videos)
Keep in touch!
----------
Lois
In reading the comments by Melinda (LoneStart) about behavioral nudges that work, I want to underscore what is also true for the Creative Strokes Network (Room Makeover Awards) by putting certain words in CAPS:
"During the challenge period PARTICIPANTS SUPPORT AND HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THEIR TEAM as they begin to incorporate healthier lifestyle choices. Membership in a team gives the individual an IDENTITY beyond one’s self. It has been said that, “Teamwork is the FUEL that allows common people to attain uncommon goals.” By promoting Team Esteem with program participants, LoneStart maximizes participation in and commitment to the organization, and WHEN AT-RISK PARTICIPANTS PROVIDE DRAMATIC EVIDENCE (TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS) THAT THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR WELLNESS BEHAVIORS, THEY VALIDATE THE INITIATIVE AND CREATE THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW AND SUSTAINABLE CULTURE OF WELLNESS."
Creative Strokes Network participants each form their own Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) which helps them not only paint and refresh a room, but also complete self-identified personal projects (e.g., entertaining, spring cleaning, decluttering, winterizing, etc.) and network development.
All my best,
----------
Lois Saboe, MSW
Education & Community Resource Associates
P.S. I am curious to what extent it would help Ashoka/Changemakers to have competition participants create their own small mutual support teams to share best practices and lessons learned.
The power of peers, working together as crews, improve participant living environments while also building their self-esteem, social and work skills. Creative Strokes is creative engine for the mental health community and provides a stepping stone for participants toward the world of work. This is a nudge that works ... and you can see the results on the participants and their rooms immediately. It is also a partnership with local suppliers (like Home Depot) which makes it very cost effective.
We in the Mental Health field often talk about the whole person. We give them Psychiatric Supervision, Case management help and even help with community involvement to one degree or another; one of the areas I so often see is people fall through the cracks of not having residential case management which help them keep their homes organized and clean.
We all know that when our homes are organized and cleaned we feel a sense of relief of some type. Can you imagine coming home to a place where you may not even be able to see the floor or stand the smell of the bathroom? There are far too many people out there in this particular situation; it is nice to find a person that care enough to help where there isn't any.
I have seen firsthand that this process called a HEAT can do for someone. I see and hear them talk about a new sense of freedom, a sense of accomplishment, a sense of motivation that they didn't have before help came to them via this thing we call a HEAT. This process helps facilitate change in one psyche, which in return helps people feel more motivated to change their behaviors and their outlook on life. I know this sounds farfetched, but we see it happen with every HEAT accomplished.
What Lois is doing is helping take care of one of the pieces of the puzzle that is often over looked in helping a person feel whole. Good luck and I hope that many foundations and grants are award to you for all that you can accomplish with is idea.
Kelly,
You say: "I know this sounds farfetched, but we see it happen with every HEAT accomplished."
I believe your point about the life-changing impact a Room Makeover has on the "whole person" is valid and important to underscore. For example, K lived in a very small poorly furnished boarding room with a refrigerator. The color of the walls before-hand reminded her of a cardboard box and having been homeless for years, she said it was as if she still was. While the rest of her life was going well, this was something she would hide from others and would not have people visit. Home Energy Action Team (HEAT) members helped her declutter and paint. Donors replaced the old, terribly stained mattress and carpeting among other things. Waking up in a freshly painted room on a clean bed the word that captured the powerful sensation she had not felt in so long was "DIGNITY."
And THAT is self-motivating. She delighted in having people visit after that.
----------
Lois
Thjis is an excellent project. Peers helping peers can have such a long term effect not just for the person helped, but for the helpers. Self image is improved and a real sense of accomplishment is evident. This Program also provides an opportunity for related activities related to things like furniture acquisition, clothing etc.
For many years I thought that people with pschiatric disabilities ought to live in homes that lend to health, rather than detract from it. Lois was the first person I met who put an idea out there that not only speaks to the issue of quality living space, but effectively weaves peer mentoring and leadership into it.
I have witnessed the HEAT process and it's outcomes. Volunteers feel pride and those who's space is cleaned, organized and painted just love the results!! Many smiles can been seen during this process...............
Working with Lois to bring together a partnership of people who hold the hope that change is eminent, has been an invigorating challenge and experience that is transforming. Lois has shown so much dedication to this idea and it's fruition!!
Being involved in a HEAT myself and seeing the apartment before and after you can see how much joy it brings to the consumers life. Before the HEAT was conducted the consumer seemed to be ashamed of the apartment and as a result didnt take care of it as much. Since the HEAT the consumer now appreciates his apartment and takes care of it. The HEAT was done about six months ago and the consumer still takes care of his apartment and is proud of it. It is a great thing what all the members of Creative Strokes and HEAT are doing for the consumers and I am proud to have been a part of it.
Hi Lois,
I've been looking at entries in this competition, and thinking of ways to "interact, or collaborate" a little more, and while looking at your entry again, a question occurred to me. When you do a Room Makeover, or Paint-A-Room project, how much input does the "owner" have? I know moods can be influenced somewhat by color and I wondered if this was an influence you have any control over when you choose colors or makeover materials? I would just guess that the more input an "owner" has into the final project, perhaps the greater sense of pride?
Thanks, Lois.
Melinda
----------
Melinda Seifert
www.lonestartnow.com
"MakingWellnessViral" entry
Melinda,
Residents select their favorite colors when painting a room in their home. When we do a "Community Room Makeover" where they meet regularly (e.g., at a clubhouse), peers will jointly choose a color that turns them on. You are on target to guess that having this right and responsibility adds to the heartfelt pride that members feel about having transformed the room from "before" to "after".
It is so true that the more input they have into the final project, the greater their sense of pride. I would bet that participants could point to which of the many doors they primed and painted when they transformed the third floor of the clubhouse. A staff member says that what she hears most consistently when bringing people up there now describes the difference: "Wow, I can FEEL the energy. It is so ENERGIZING!" And that is what the peers had inside them; not the dull eggshell that surrounded everyone for decades, or the gray that would have gone up if they didn't have input... but this reflection of their spirit and inner beauty.
Our core values are so similar, Melinda. Please know how much we would love to have the members pilot the Lone Start Wellness program here. If you are interested in testing the ability of this target population to use it effectively please let me know. We want a full toolkit for furthering lifestyle/behavior changes and painting a room is our first needed nudge, not our last. (e.g., see our website at http://saboe.shutterfly.com to learn about the "Spring Forward" Challenge.)
----------
Lois
Hello Lois,
We've implemented our program in many different populations, including corporate groups, small and large community groups, clinics, hospitals, and on an individual participant basis. We're in the process of getting ready to kick-off several county-wide initiatives (we hope), and are talking with local insurance providers about incorporating what we offer into their policies as a wellness element/ component. We are always looking for new avenues to explore and would very much like to talk with you about ways we can implement the LoneStart Wellness strategy with your Creative Stroke network. I don't see any reason why your target population couldn't benefit from this program--and the benefits are all open-ended! I can give you as much information as you need or would like. When values are shared at the beginning, that's a sure path to success! Part of our uphill battle has and continues to be that "wellness" is a vague term (sort of like poetry-- you can give an example but it's hard to define).
I look forward to your feedback and to exploring how we can enrich your toolkit.
Best,
Melinda
----------
Melinda Seifert
www.lonestartnow.com
Having seen the results of this Peer program, where the individuals help one another to improve their lives by improving the living environment, I have been very impressed with the camradery among the individuals involved. Their feeling of accomplishment during and at the end of each project is a delight to see. Kudos to the originator of this concept.
----------
Rita
What a wonderful program! The idea that if our personal space is blank or dreary does affect how we feel! While I am not fully aware of what you are doing, I wanted to point out an article I read just the other day in Scientific Mind, regarding the study of architecture on the psyche.
Awesome program. Good luck.
mg
----------
Just like you
Hola, el trabajo es excelente, Felicitaciones!!! Se asemeja a un programa que se está realizando en la Argentina que se llama MÁS COLOR, también consiguen mejorar la calidad de vida. Comienzan por cambiar el color de las viviendas, pintando las casas de los barrios más carenciados. Y los que realizan las tareas son los mismos propietarios. Lo difícil es el financiamiento de los materiales y de la pintura.
Saludos Coridales!!!
(entren en nuestro www.dondequieroestar.blogspot.com) ya que nosotros también utilizamos la pintura y el color para que las pacientes expresen sus sentimientos y lograr así mayor adaptación y tolerancia al tratamiento de QUIMIOTERAPIA.
Vicky Viel Temperley
----------
Vicky Viel www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRb3Ft8JMjs
www.dondequieroestar.blogspot.com
Muchas gracias para su refuerzo positivo, Vicki. Creo que su programa (Donde Quiero Estar) es inestimable también. Cuando la gente en la recuperación comparte su espíritu único con talento y colores que revivifican, esto es una inspiración. En la "Creative Strokes Network," cuando el personal realmente recoge una brocha y se divierte trabajando junto a ellos en su propio tiempo, ellos ganan un nuevo nivel de confianza y apreciación de los pares. ¡El personal que se ofrece para ayudar es capaz de disfrutar tanto de aprendizaje juntos como de celebración de éxitos compartidos!
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Lois
Translation: Many thanks for your positive reinforcement. I believe your program (Donde Quiero Estar) is priceless as well. When people in recovery share their unique spirit with talent and revitalizing colors, it is an inspiration. In the Creative Strokes Network, when staff actually pick up a paintbrush and have fun working alongside them in their free time, they earn a new level of trust and appreciation from the peers. Staff who volunteer to help enjoy both learning together and celebrating shared successes!
The Creative Strokes Network is a fantastic program launched by people in recovery in Bridgeport, CT who volunteer to get together to paint and decorate each others' apartments. While the mental health system has focused on helping people to secure housing, only the person in recovery him or herself, along with his or her friends and family, can make 'housing' into a home. The Creative Strokes Network takes that additional step, and in doing so creates wonderful opportunities for people to take ownership and pride in where they live, securing for themselves not only housing but a true sense of home; something we know to be crucial to sustained recovery. In the process, people 'pay it forward' by giving back to others, learning new skills, gaining self-confidence, and, in the end, taking part in celebrations of their accomplishments. It has been truly transformative in people's lives, and should be replicated everywhere and often.
On May 11, 2009, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators who are seeking solutions that help people make better choices regarding their health and the health of others. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team
“This is a great idea that holds a lot of potential for expanding into a community service project, maybe even a reality show with a twist! “
“Is there a way to expand your idea to a large scale? Can you connect with the TV show Trading Spaces? The initiative targets a very specific health group, but one that is traditionally overlooked. Great combination of building self-efficacy in the targeted population as well as helping to improve their living environment.”
- Changemakers “Designing for Better Health” Judges: Doutores da Alegria, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Cornell Food and Brand Lab: Cornell University, Innovations in Health @ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Pediatrics: University of California San Francisco.
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