Artists, Volunteers Celebrate OMA at Trinity Community at Beavercreek

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BEAVERCREEK [Dec. 17, 2019] – Sixteen volunteers joined with residents and staff of Trinity Community at Beavercreek in November for the community’s ninth Opening Minds through Art session.

OMA is an intergenerational art-making program for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related conditions. It provides residents with the creative freedom to expand their choices and sense of control. It uses art and self-expression, coupled with person-directed care principles, to build a bridge across age and cognitive barriers.

Abundant Life Through Art

Trained facilitators lead weekly art sessions, demonstrating each week’s art project to volunteers, who are then paired one-on-one with residents. Volunteers assist their respective artists while enjoying conversation and camaraderie. Participants also sing well-known songs, such as “This Little Light of Mine” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

If you attend an Opening Minds through Art session, you’ll love observing the artists as they complete their pieces and see them for the first time with a frame. Their eyes sparkle. They grin and express surprise. “I didn’t know I could do that!” one artist exclaims. In some sessions, there are tears of gratitude. In all sessions, there is laughter.

Volunteering for OMA at Trinity Community at Beavercreek

Opening Minds through Art could not be successful without the dedicated support of volunteers. Special thanks to the following from Trinity at Beavercreek’s ninth session: Jan Achbach, Ava Andary, Harrison Andary, Robin Farinet, Charles Garrison, Matthew Grieshop, Phoebe Hunt, Paulette Kalin, Jeannie Licklider, Luke Melton, Evvie Moore, Emma O’Keefe, Art Reiff, Cheryl Shedden, Renee Thurman and Mary Alice Townsend.

Volunteering for OMA is for individuals who wish to make an impact on the lives of older adults. Forming strong bonds with their respective artists during the art sessions, volunteers have a unique opportunity to provide joy to residents. With more than 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, most people in the U.S. are touched in one way or another by Alzheimer’s. To learn more about volunteering for this rewarding program at Trinity Community at Beavercreek, contact Christy Tipps at 937.426.8481 or ctipps@uchinc.org.