Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) is pleased to announce the second six-month installation of Kids Helping Kids/The Healing Power of Art and Community Outreach. The Junior League of Northern Westchester (JLNW women’s volunteer group) collaborated with the Boys & Girls Club (B&GC) of Northern Westchester to create the art that will be showcased in the pediatric family room at NWH. The first installation was donated in June 2014 by 6th grade Fox Lane Middle School Students.
Susan Hovey, Boys & Girls Club after school art coordinator commented, “the students and I were excited to be invited to participate! The Junior League of Northern Westchester educated over 30 of our kids about Northern Westchester Hospital, the value of voluntarism and how they can help do something nice for others through their art.” Twenty-four original pieces of B&GC artwork will be featured in the NWH Pediatric Family Room. The framed art along with all other works will also be copied onto placemats to be shared during meal-times. The original art will also be used as healing ‘gifts’ by the Pediatric Unit and within the Emergency Room. In addition, cards containing well-wishes will also be distributed during the project’s six-month installation. JLNW Project Chair Christina Dochtermann commented that, “The art will lift the spirits of patients, families and staff with visual messages of healing and well-wishes. It helps to humanize the environment and create a healing connection to other youth and the community.“
When they are ready to leave, patients and their families will be invited to make a card or picture to leave in the room for the next patient as a way to continue the cycle of the Healing Power of Art and Community.
“This project is very special. It is a wonderful way to connect with the young people in our community and to teach children that they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Keeva Young-Wright, President of the Northern Westchester Hospital Foundation.
The JLNW will be collaborating with various youth art programs and schools throughout Northern Westchester to feature new art every six months. If your group would like to participate, please contact the JLNW at 914.234.4714 or info@jlnw.org. To learn about other ways to support Northern Westchester Hospital, please visit www.nwhc.net.
