Entries from Advocates' Art Exhibit, held each year in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. | |
|
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at Our Annual Art Exhibit!
Join us at the Framingham Public Library tonight from 6-8 p.m. for a reception to celebrate all of the artists who entered their original artwork in Advocates' 12th Annual Art Exhibit. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we hold an annual art exhibit to explore perspectives from our local social services community. This special event is a yearly reminder of our common humanity.
Can't make the reception? The exhibit will be on display in the Costin Room at the Framingham Public Library throughout the month of May.
Check out this special sneak peek!  | |
Join us for Advocates 12th Annual Art Exhibit. |
|
|
Meet Lisha Weeks: Photographer and Poet
|
| |
"The photo was taken in a marsh in Framingham. For me, it demonstrates that beauty and perfection exist on its own terms, even before we would define it being at the height of its existence," Lisha says about her 2011 Art Exhibit submission. |
A direct care counselor in Advocates Mental Health Division, Lisha Weeks also knows what it's like to be in the mental health system: "In 2001, the world saw me as a mental patient in a state hospital. In 2003, it saw me as a mental patient supervised in a group home 24/7. Now the world sees me, and more importantly I see myself as a Citizen (capital 'C' intended)." Since 2004, Lisha has been working full-time in human services. Tonight the community will have a chance to see her as a photographer and poet during Advocates Art Exhibit Reception.
Last week, we caught up with Lisha to find out how she feels about sharing her art with the community and what inspires her creations.
How does it feel to have your art featured in this year's exhibit?
It is fascinating to see and hear people's reactions. Everyone reacts differently and sees something different, even in pictures of simple flowers. When I display something I've created, it is like I am displaying a piece of myself. That causes my heart to race.
What inspires your art?
With my camera I try to see things that would normally go unnoticed. Getting that perfect shot that I've been shooting for is exhilarating.
Do you have a favorite artist?
My favorite photographer of nature is Ansel Adams. He saw and shared with the world the big creations in nature. I also love Howard Shatz. He sees the human body as a beautiful creation not as something dirty. He celebrates it. I want my photography to celebrate.
|
|
Vote for Advocates on May 25th to Help Us Win A New Wheelchair Accessible Minivan!
With a simple click, you can make a big difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
We've been selected as a finalist in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program. Now we need your support! Vote for Advocates at http://www.facebook.com/toyota on May 25, 2011.
Watch our video to see how a new wheelchair accessible minivan will make a big difference for people in our programs.
 | | Advocates-100 Cars for Good.mov |
Vote for Advocates on May 25th in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good Program!
Think you'll forget? Toyota will send you a reminder!
Go to www.facebook.com/toyota and go to the "100 Cars for Good Tab." Click the "Vote Today" button and click on "view contestants." Search by date, and go to May 25th. There will be a button that says "Remind me to vote this day."
|
Find out how your support is making an impact.
Advocates 2010 Annual Report is now available.
Download the PDF.
If you would like a hardcopy, please contact Francesca Santoro, Communications Coordinator, at fsantor@advocatesinc.org.
|
|
Advocates' mission is to help people achieve their hopes and dreams within the fabric of their communities. We partner with people with disabilities, elders, and those with other challenges to overcome personal obstacles and societal barriers so that they can obtain and keep homes, engage in work and other meaningful activities, and sustain satisfying relationships. We work to inspire communities to create opportunities for contribution and participation by all.
|
|
|
|
QUICK LINKS
Toyota's 100 Cars for Good
DID YOU KNOW?
We are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month on our Facebook page! Check out important resources, inspiring stories and exciting events all month long. Join our online community now, and help spread the word.
 |
 |
Thank you
Thank you
Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation for granting us $15,000 for Advocates ABLS (Advocacy, Benefits and Legal Services) Program.
Thank you Framingham Rotary Club for awarding us $1,000 to support the Michael Jones Memorial Recovery Fund. The Michael Jones Memorial Recovery Fund provides funding for activities, material items and operational resources that will positively impact the recovery process of persons receiving support and services within Advocates Mental Health Division programs.
Thank you to all the supporters who attended the MetroWest Human Service Advocacy Coalition 9th Annual Legislative Breakfast on May 6th. We hope you will also be able to attend the MetroSuburban East Advocacy Group Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, May 20th. Your voice truly makes a difference.
|
|
