Funding supports Opening Minds through Art at Harmar Place

The grant supported the implementation of the new Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program at Harmar Place. OMA was founded in 2007 and is a person-directed program headquartered at Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio.

Led by trained facilitators, each OMA session provides an opportunity for older adults to express themselves creatively.

Through the program, people with dementia are paired with volunteers who are trained to help them use imagination instead of memory and focus on remaining strengths instead of lost skills. OMA enables people with dementia to find new ways to express themselves through a variety of beautiful artwork.

“The OMA program provides abundant life as our residents work with younger people, which makes them feel needed,” said Terri Schneider, admissions and marketing director. “It empowers our residents when they see what they have accomplished. They feel like they are contributing to the community by being involved and mentoring the younger generation. They form a bond with their volunteers.”

The public is invited to attend the art show from 2-4 p.m. May 20 at Harmar Place.

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, based in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The nonprofit, faith-based organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org