FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY of BURBANK....

Thursday, April 16, 2015

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY of BURBANK....

…….is the most amazing, remarkable agency you’ve never heard of. Why it’s such a big secret is beyond me as I was utterly blown away during my tour of the facility with the awesome Marsha Ramos. I’ve blogged about Marsha before as she’s my template for doing good, being a good citizen and seeing a need then filling it. Marsha is on more committees than I have fingers to count on and everything is done gladly and joyfully! Let’s clone her!!!

I’m holding a paperback version of ‘Suma the Elephant’ the book I was so blessed to illustrate. People are always saddened by the ending, by Suma not breaking free but what a perfect metaphor for all of us. For the strings that would appear to tie us down, to hold us back….they’re only little strings and the choice is up to us to break free or not. This perfect metaphor is being used in schools now for instances of bullying and also in helping battered women. There’s also an excellent handbook that helps the reader to examine their life and see the possibilities as well as the roadblocks. This little book and the accompanying handbook are a perfect fit for this organization!

Here’s their Mission Statement...

Laurie Blieck, the amazing Executive Director began the tour.

Just one of the rooms set up for counseling young children. On staff are licensed mental health professionals, (over 60 therapists) educators, certified facilitators, case managers and interns. Their goal is to help families lead healthy, safe and productive lives.

Awwwwwww…………Pooh Bear is always comforting…..

A small section of the very creative art room….

The artwork done by the children is heart wrenching and makes one so grateful that they have this wonderful place to find shelter, hope and creativity….

It just makes one weep…..More children suffer from psychological illness than from leukemia, diabetes and Aids combined.

So much suffering ‘round about us….

….and yet….a glimmer of hope….

This wonderful place offers a future and a hope….

….and this thought brings smiles to our faces…...

Yes young one….you are worthy indeed of respect and unconditional love….

Beautiful…...

So inspiring to hear of all the good being accomplished here…..

Another counselor and area for therapy…..

The food bank area was almost too much to handle but the sight of the little bears softened the blow….

This dramatic artwork was turned into a powerful poster…..

You just can’t imagine the creativity of the young people …...

WOW…..

‘Suma the Elephant’ will be a perfect fit here…..

Another office space….

All of the counselors are filled with loving compassion….

We’re in the kitchen facility. There are also care cottages, a residential intervention program for families fleeing family violence as well as a residential intervention program for homeless families. Let’s not forget the residential treatment environment for emancipated teens who face the challenges of premature adult responsibility.

Laurie is holding a copy of the Suma Workbook and from Marsha and Laurie's smiling faces we see so much good on the road ahead!

I am honored beyond description to be honored as a recipient of the ‘Spotlight Award’ to be given by the agency on June 5th at their Art Auction and roof top dinner at the Cartoon Network Studio. Of course, Marsha is Co-Chair of this event!

…...the artwork I showed you on a poster outside the building.

Bravo Family Service Agency of Burbank! For more information and to donate please go to www.familyserviceagencyofburbank.org or phone 818.845.7671

After that tour I really needed an angel hug so you can imagine my surprise and delight when I saw Lisa Plemmons Harrison across the street as I was getting into my car. What serendipity celebrated with some cool Tai Iced Coffee!

Wishing you joy!

No comments:

Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.