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Through Art, Family Learns How to Communicate Better

January 12, 2017

Impact Stories

From waiting tables to working in a factory, 69 year old Fe did everything she could to support her four biological children. Fe adopted her daughter’s children when they were infants. Fe was raising children again and when reaching the challenging teenage years, seventeen year old Aixa and fifteen year old Miraida were struggling to communicate with their mom. “Through this process, we learned how to listen to each other without judgment,” explained Aixa, who graduated Lincoln High School and will study cosmetology. Miraida, who also has a flair for the creative, loves songwriting, dancing and the family’s art therapy sessions. “I see life as art,” said Miraida, whose communication with her mom and school attendance has improved. The HSVS Shirley Tanyhill Family Service Center prevents the placement of children into foster care. Votruba, who is a licensed and Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist, facilitated the sessions, as well as made home visits. From teaching Fe how to advocate for special education services for her children to encouraging the girls to pursue their interests at school, Linda was a resource to the family. “Sometimes, we experience so much that it’s difficult to process our feelings. But the art helps us say what we need to without the words,” said Votruba. “And then, when they’re ready, the conversation flows.”