NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 29, 2003

 

CONTACT:               MARY ANN GILLIS  

                                    COMPASS HEALTH

                                    (425) 349-8122

                                    maryann.gillis@compassh.org

 

 

PUBLIC INVITED TO COMPASS HEALTH ART SHOW RECEPTION MAY 9TH

 

EVERETT, WA  April 29, 2003 – The public is invited to a special celebration on May 9th – Compass Health’s 5th annual “Diversity of Talents” Art Show and Reception.  This is a free event celebrating Mental Health Month and Compass Health’s 100-year partnership with our community.  The festivities at Compass Health’s administrative campus at 4526 Federal Avenue in Everett will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and will include the artwork of Compass Health clients, staff and family members. 

 

There also will be food, music, hands-on art demonstrations, a silent auction of art-related items and raffle drawings.  Proceeds of art sold will go toward purchasing art supplies for Compass Health’s art therapy program, which is funded entirely through grants and donations.

 

“People with mental illness recover more quickly when their hope and participation in life is encouraged,” said Jess C. Jamieson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the non-profit mental health agency.  “Compass Health’s art therapy program is one way our agency provides opportunities for hope and meaningful expression.  Art is a wonderful outlet and enables our clients to view themselves as valuable members of their community.  This, in turn, promotes positive life roles with respect to work, school and other activities.” 

 

23-year-old Julie, for example, suffers from chronic schizophrenia.  For years she did not venture far from her parents’ home, isolating herself with the voices she heard.  But two years ago, Julie was invited to take a Compass Health art class to learn how to paint. Today, she has confidence in herself and knows she’s a good artist.  She has friends now and has moved out of her parents’ home, into Compass Health transitional housing, where she is learning to live independently. On May 9th, for the second year in a row, her paintings will be among the artistic work featured in Compass Health’s “Diversity of Talents” art show.

 

“I hope the community will join us for this inspirational event.  We truly have a lot to celebrate,” said Jamieson. 

 

In January, Compass Health expanded the reach of its mental health and chemical dependency services by merging operations with Community Mental Health Services.  Now, Compass Health works to keep children safe, adults stable and families emotionally strong throughout Island, San Juan, Skagit and Snohomish Counties.  Last year, the agency served more than 18,000 vulnerable individuals, including more than 6,000 children.

 

For more information about Compass Health, and for driving directions to the art show, visit www.compasshealth.org or phone (425) 349-8397.  Artwork will remain on display through May 23.

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