ARM OF CARE INC

Gratitude was the theme for this week's expressive arts group at Shepherd's Gate. We began by reading aloud a sweet book "Feeling Grateful" (Yamada & Santoso), added some gentle stretching, and gathered around the table where we shared our own gratitudes for the day - both large and small. The ladies chose art postcards with images that resonated for them and some created drawings of their own. Then ... an appreciation 'go around'! Each lady was asked to give an imaginary symbolic gift representing a quality they admired about each of the other ladies. It was beautiful to witness their caring, love, and support for one another and to see them take in the admiration others had for them. As we said our goodbyes for the week, we asked them what their goal was for the rest of the day. One of our favorite responses: "My goal is to stay in an attitude of gratitude!"

Everyone is invited to attend an in-person talk about protecting our kids from online sexual predators. The speaker, Monee Brown, is a St. Mary's College Alum. She's been writing books for children and parents on how to protect our children from online sexual predators. And she's been on several radio and TV shows to spread the word. She now has the books in Spanish, too! Talk is on Tuesday, October 29th on the St. Mary's campus from 4:15-5:15 p.m.

As one of the girls we work with was sharing about some difficulties in some relationships, I asked her if she had an empty box somewhere in her home. She turned it into a boundary box. She wrote on pieces of paper, things that she wanted in those relationships, things she did not (that were unacceptable to her) and things she hadn’t made a decision about yet. She put those items that she wanted in the box, those she didn’t she taped on the bottom of the box and those she wasn’t sure about she taped to the sides. She continues to learn what is acceptable and unacceptable to her. We also discussed that what is taped on the side is still a “no” until she decides if it goes in the box.

Our first year of being coast to coast was celebrated in GA and CA on Saturday night October 5, 2024. All attendees got to experience an art and movement activity like we do with those we serve. We met with each other via technology to hear one of our survivors we have worked with for almost ten years share her story on how ARM of Care has impacted her life over the years. We are grateful for all who supported “Extending Our Reach”.

*********************** It is not too late to buy your tickets for our upcoming fundraiser: Saturday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. in Walnut Creek! A few highlights include: Guest Speaker (one of our clients will share her healing journey) Live Music (A violinist) Yummy food Beer and Wine Great auction and raffle items Live Zoom with our Georgia Team Link to buy tickets: https://lnkd.in/gezBsNRp Hope to see you there! *******************

ARM of Care is hosting our next amazing fundraiser event on Saturday October 5th. This promises to be another fun and educational event, so grab your tickets and come join us for some hands-on, restorative experiences that will help you to learn all about the amazing work that ARM of Care is doing! https://lnkd.in/gezBsNRp #comejoinus #

One of our women who uses poetry to tell her recovery story, felt that she had writer’s block. We started a brain map. She wanted to write about her experiences of gaslighting. She shared some words associated with “Gaslighting” and soon a poem came to her. The finished poem will be in her next book, so we’ll have to wait until it comes out!

Each year on July 30th, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”. This year’s global campaign focuses on the vulnerability of children and urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Children are subjected to various forms of trafficking, including exploitation in forced labor, criminality or begging, trafficked for illegal adoption, and online and sexual abuse and exploitation. According to the UNODC’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child.

ARM of Care is connected to experts in the field and will host a forum discussion with Government officials, County Human Trafficking Task Force members, volunteers and staff from ARM of Care for families to learn more about how trafficking issues affect our teens. Here is the information: Aug 29, 2024 from 7–8pm Location: Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in the Parlor 1801 Lacassie Ave. Walnut Creek Link to the event: https://lnkd.in/gGy2jtu7

During a recent program, the ladies enjoyed a wake up/warm up routine that included self massage techniques along with deep breathing using the whole torso, followed by arm and leg movements. As we synchronized our breathing, we worked on our balance. It was a little challenging, and everyone stayed upright! How we are feeling affects our bodies. Sharing our thoughts through art can be healing. We looked through old postcards that displayed a variety of people...famous celebrities, old movie scenes, and people from around the world. The cards were great for generating discussions. The cards brought out many smiles and stories of how the week had been (some good, some not so good). Our task was to choose one postcard representing the past week, and another representing our hopes for the coming week(s). This was a truly impactful exercise!