Ashalim Uses Art Therapy To Help Families In Need

On July 1, 2003, Shimon stood tall and proud near his sculpture of grasped hands at the opening of the "Children and Parents Create Together" exhibit at the JDC building in Jerusalem. Shimon's daughter, Sivan, joined him by his side.

At first timid, Sivan, brightened up when visitors asked about her piece: "It was fun," she simply said. "We did the sculptures together," said Shimon. "You know, we live apart." Their words, and the intertwined hands, embodied the message that resonated throughout the evening: together, despite the challenges.

The products of the participants' creativity were as varied as the Ashalim projects they represented. Hand-made photo albums, sculptures, drawings, murals and models were created by participants in Parent-Child Centers, residential facilities, and youth villages. Though unique, the pieces of art did have at least one element in common: each project was used as a therapeutic medium to help the family break the cycle of risk that brought them to the Ashalim program.

It is a process that bears results, as seen by the experience of seven families from one Parent-Child Center, who prepared a colorful mural in the shape of a wheel. "The project was carried out while the participants underwent individual, group and family therapy sessions," the Center's Director explained. "The therapists used the project as a tool to help the family members recognize their needs and responsibilities as parents, as children and as families."

"Each of the seven families that participated in the making of the wheel was previously characterized by violence, both physical and verbal," she continued. "After their participation in the project, the physical violence stopped in all the families. There is also less verbal abuse. Center therapists determined that three families were ready to complete their therapy. A mother in one family, for the first time, has begun to accept that her child has special needs. She has become involved in his school and is taking responsibility. Through this project her neglect has been transformed into acceptance."

Cheryl Fishbein, Chair of UJA-Federation of New York's Caring Commission, attended the opening with her colleagues who were visiting Israel to mark Ashalim's five-year anniversary. Fishbein credited the parents and children along with leading Ashalim partners – JDC, the Government of Israel and UJA-Federation of New York – by example: "Ashalim reaches out across the ocean, in partnership together. What you have done here is used togetherness to communicate. In your way, you have shown us the way," she remarked.

"This exhibit began as an idea to encourage the use of art in different Ashalim projects," explained Shahar, the Ashalim professional in charge of the exhibit. "But the additional message of the exhibit -- parents and children creating together-- is critical," he pointed out.

"Parents must be involved in everything being done for children," affirmed Haim Posner, Director of the Social Services Department of the Ministry of Welfare. He strongly iterated the government's recognition of the centrality of parents, and Ashalim's role in driving this message: "We, the government, now recognize and make that commitment." He succinctly added: "Ashalim gives us the dreams and the strategy. Just like this exhibit."

For all the participants in the exhibit, the crowded, festive opening was indicative of the support they are provided by the Ashalim projects. Many were especially excited by the fact that visitors came all the way from New York.

"I am so glad I came today," said Miriam, a mother from the Parent-Child Center who helped create the exhibited mural. "I see now how many people are behind and here for us, just to help me and my family."