Author: chantay

Mural Arts

Thank you to the Mural Arts Program who has supported the vital work of E.M.I.R. from the very beginning. The Mending a Broken Heart mural is the artistic expression of unbearable pain and infinite hope. The partnership between EMIR and The Mural Arts Program is an example of the great work that is accomplished when collaboration is focused on service. The mural is displayed on the walls of our support rooms on the second floor of the Healing Center. The response has been positive and passionate.

The Mural Arts Program has also begun a Peace Garden behind the center.

 

Thank you again to The Mural Arts Program.

Mending a Broken Heart, 2010
City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Artist – Nathaneil Lee
Assisted by – The Mural Restoration Crew at St. Gabriel’s Hall

Funded by The Connelly Foundation and The City of Philadelphia, Department of Human Services

We Live Project

The We Live Project was developed out of our youth support groups. At one of our sessions they felt the need to do something. The young people stated that someone should be listening to us about pain and how to heal. They talked about what a young person needs to overcome pain. They decided to continue to meet to design their peace movement.

They kicked off their movement to their community on September 25, 2010, the National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims. The rally was designed, created and executed by young people with EMIR’s guidance. They created messages of peace and resiliency on poster, T-shirt and banners. They created a Declaration of Peace. There were several community agencies there to offer free services. They had faith partners there to offer support. This rally was attended by 300 young people whom had lost someone to murder. The young people have become Peace Ambassadors’, with their goal being “Get Old”.

The We Live Project’s purpose is to utilize the principles to heal self, families, and communities. Conflict Transformation is a process of constructive change that reduces violence, and increases justice, it responds to real life problems in human relationships. These practices promote healing of relationships.

Summer of 2011 the We Live Project held its Peace & Leadership Institute. This was a summer long project with youth sponsored by the Shoemaker Grant. The workshops for the youth utilize holistic principles. Wellness is a positive approach to living, resulting in the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.

The workshops promote an atmosphere where participants can explore their own issues of wellness, self- care, self-esteem, emotional maturity, and lifestyle management. This can assist in enabling them to become better brothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and leaders in the community. They will become Peace Ambassadors’ and spread their messages throughout their communities.