Dear Fabulous & Fearless Volunteers,
As
we enter this spectacular summertime season, we encourage you to
increase your awareness and creativity by joining AWBW as we work to help others discover a balance of peace and playfulness within and around themselves.
We
want to personally send out giant, virtual hugs to all of the dear
volunteers who came through for Art In the Afternoon! It was such a
marvelous time to be had by all because of your presence and support.
We surpassed our original goal, filling our courtyard and surrounding
areas with 250+ participants, garnering $25,000+ worth
of support that will go directly towards funding our Windows Art
Programs. All in all, it turned out to be a magically orchestrated
dance by way of all our volunteers who came out to play!
Please
take some time and space to read this June Newsflash in order to
discover ways in which you might enhance your current involvement here
at AWBW. We are in need of your enthusiasm, expertise, and efforts, so
please be in touch if you can join us for any of our upcoming special
events!
Gratefully Yours,
All of us at AWBW
In This Issue
Highlight of the Month 
Artwork from Children's Windows Workshop
"We
had one child who would always cry when it was time for child care. He
had been deeply impacted by the abuse that he and his mother had
experienced. He would flinch every time someone would approach him--an
obvious sign that he had been abused by his mother's husband. Staff
tried many ways to connect with him so he could feel safe and begin to
trust--that no one here would ever harm him or his mom. It took more
than two weeks before we had a breakthrough.
He used to cry
out for his mother, screaming, "No!" every time anyone would approach
to try to console him. This went on every day for more than two weeks.
He would cry the entire time mom was away. One day I took a container
of cars over to the table and began to paint the wheels of a car. I
convinced him to come over and watch. I asked him if he wanted to try.
He paused for a moment and took the paint brush, painting a little bit
of the wheels of the car he was holding. We were so excited. I took a
sheet of paper and began to make racing noises, running a toy car
across a sheet of paper and expressed excitement with my actions. He
became curious and seemed anxious at the same time and wanted his own
sheet of paper. He joined the other children at the table and began to
create some art with the toy; he began to smile and connect with the
staff.
By the time his mother had returned, she was surprised
and excited to see that her son was not upset and crying. He was
excited to see his mom and ran over to show her his amazing art! The
next day when the children arrived to day care, staff was greeted with
a smile from him. He kissed his mom and said good-bye and went off to
play with the other children. Staff looked at each other in shock, as
mom walked away with a smile on her face. We expressed to him how proud
we were and, from then on, he came to child care and wanted to play.
The art was that window of trust for this young child, connected him to
the individuals around him and gave him his safe space."
- Children's Windows Workshop Leader
Haven House, Los Angeles
Volunteer Day:
Thanks for Joining Us! See you next month...
There was an air of playfulness about the AWBW Studio the morning of
our May Volunteer Saturday. I am always so moved by those volunteers
who continue to show up to get creative each and every month. AWBW
appreciates this support because we always have oodles a'happening
here. We had just recently received generous donations of art materials
from various, thoughtful supporters, and we had plenty to work with!
Team
members from the Marina del Rey & Redondo Beach GAP graced our
studio with their presence, bringing their knowledge and joy of working
with fabrics to the table
JUNE 21 VOLUNTEER DAY: If you'd like to join us for our upcoming Volunteer Saturday back here at the AWBW Studio in Venice, please RSVP by June 18th by calling 310-396-0317 or clicking here to email if you plan on attending.Guest Leaders Olivia and Fabi Piacenza
Looking forward to volunteering with you!
Call for Volunteers: Save the Date for Open House!
August 7th Featuring The Monster in Me Exhibit
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
As an AWBW Volunteer, you can continue to help out our ever-expanding network of supporters by joining any one of our many
event committees throughout the year, as well as joining our
host committees for any event we put on by just informing your own network of folks about what we do.
Helping out is indeed just as simple as that!Please e-mail
events@awbw.org or call 310-396-0317 to find out more info.
BeARTrageous
Summertime Passion & Strength Series
Venice Studio, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
There is a $15 materials fee to participate — added donations, in support of the wonderful work of AWBW — are encouraged and appreciated. Please RSVP by calling 310-396-0317.
Exhibit
: The Monster In Me
Join us for The Monster in Me Exhibit
June 2 through 30, 2008
West Valley Regional Library
19036 Vanowen Street
Reseda, CA 91335
Ralphs Club and AWBW:
Shop for a Good Cause!
We
are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Ralphs Stores in
California. Each time you visit the store and swipe your registered
Ralphs Club Card, a portion of every purchase will go to A Window
Between Worlds. Here are the steps you can follow to sign up for this
program:
1. Visit Ralphs Club Card online at
www.ralphs.com to sign up
2. Select "Community Contribution" from the left hand (bottom) column
3. Enter NPO number 90609 and Register your Card
4. Swipe your card when you shop
If
you aren't yet registered as a Ralphs Club Card Member, simply go into
your local Ralphs store and take a moment to sign up for this free
membership, then go online to register for the program.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Volunteer - June 2008
