Everything You Need to Know about Giving Tuesday

It’s safe to say that Thanksgiving and Black Friday are two of the most anticipated days of the year. However, you should also put Giving Tuesday at the top of your list. We can all benefit from giving thanks, spending time with family and purchasing holiday gifts for others. However, it’s equally important to think about doing good in our communities this time of year. Here’s everything you need to know about Giving Tuesday, including how to participate in the event!

What is Giving Tuesday, When Is It and Why Should You Participate?

Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to radical generosity. Radical generosity is the idea that the suffering that others experience should be just as intolerable as our own suffering. When you accidentally touch a hot stove, for example, your first instinct is to pull your hand away and relieve the pain. Radical generosity encourages us to feel others’ pain and take immediate action in the same way. It’s all about celebrating the spirit of giving and responding to others’ needs with tangible actions.

This year, Giving Tuesday falls on November 29th. Everyone is welcome to participate, from individuals to nonprofit organizations to businesses. Best of all, you can give in any way you’d like! Participants can donate their time to a local charity, give money or canned goods from their pantry, or simply raise their voice on behalf of others.

You can make a real difference and join with others in spreading hope by participating in Giving Tuesday. Are you interested in doing more? The movement’s organizers also encourage participants to imagine what would happen if every Tuesday was Giving Tuesday. Every week, they post additional opportunities for individuals to explore and take part in. While Giving Tuesday is a day of global generosity, the event doesn’t end on November 29th. Giving is something we can achieve every day.

How Can You Participate in Giving Tuesday at Lead4Life?

At Lead4Life, you can give to your local community in a variety of ways. Here’s how you can get involved and give with us this year:

  • Donate your time by volunteering with us or learning more about mentorship
  • Give non-perishable food, household supplies, gift cards, event tickets, or money to those in need
  • Consider becoming a sponsor or partner with us
  • Join our team and serve youth and families in the community every day!

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Join us in celebrating this day of giving or get in contact with us today for more info!

Learn More about Giving Tuesday at Lead4Life, Inc.

At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources like mental health tips so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills. Visit our website or contact us at 240-499-8949 for more information.

Lead4Life – Together, We Are The Village Making A Difference!

The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce joined Jennifer Gauthier, Founder and Executive Director of Lead4Life on her official ribbon cutting for the Salisbury office.

Headquartered in Rockville, MD, Lead4Life, Inc. opened its doors in Salisbury last year. Its story began in 2008, after Jennifer, or “Ms. Jen” as she is known by participants and their families, had dedicated countless hours working with multiple non-profits and decided that she wanted to start one of her own. As a child, Jennifer overcame the challenges of domestic violence and teen pregnancy, and as an adult she turned homelessness into financial independence—so she understood the fundamental need of empathy and compassion.

Gauthier welcomed the group and shared: “Because of my life experiences is why I started Lead4Life. When I started the organization, I realized that both myself and my son needed a mentor, but because we were not involved in child welfare, we didn’t have the village to help us. We started in Rockville, and we have been blessed with our growth and now have offices in Baltimore, Frederick, Salisbury, Prince Georges County and Glen Burnie (opening Dec 1st). We are serving participants that need help and are underserved, but when I say we are the village, I really mean it. I have hired a lot of people that have life experiences and are hungry to learn and grow because they will be able to better identify with our participants. I also believe they should be compensated as well as someone with a degree. We pay all our mentors; we are getting the same people that have been through the system and made it out and are doing well to give back to our kids. We continue to strive and be the best we can be, and I know we can be that village with the support of our community partnerships. We really hope to be a household name here on the Lower Shore.”

Lead4Life, Inc. was founded in an effort to reduce the number of youth and young adults entering the juvenile justice system, as well as many out-of-home placements, and the youth recidivism rate in our surrounding communities. Our programs are developed utilizing restorative justice, strength-based models, trauma-informed approaches, client-centered practices, and community service initiatives. Together, we are the village making a difference. Anyone can become involved with Lead4Life by becoming a volunteer, donating to Lead4Life or becoming a sponsor/partner.

Lead4Life programs include: Individual and Family Therapy, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, Re-Engagement Initiative, Juvenile Entry Diversion Initiative, First Chance 4U, Evening Report Center, Victim Awareness, Parent Mentoring Initiative, Mentoring Initiative, and Navigation Services.

For more information visit www.lead4lifeinc.org or email info@lead4lifeinc.org.

Annual Report 2022

Can Art Therapy Really Improve Your Mental Health?

During challenging times, it can be difficult to express our feelings and share them with others. Processing complex emotions isn’t a simple thing to do, and sometimes we require a language that moves beyond words. While art therapy wasn’t established until the 20th century, art is something human beings have practiced for centuries. It has been used to tell stories, record historical events and communicate ideas. Throughout history, art has also provided a way for us to manage grief, trauma, and hardship. Evidence suggests that artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, for example, used art to relieve psychological pain. However, you don’t need to be a famous artist to reap the benefits of art therapy.

Today, most of us are facing many stressors at one time. You might be looking for relief from stress at work, financial troubles, or the loss of a loved one after the pandemic. Perhaps you’re a cancer patient or a veteran struggling with PTSD. Medication and traditional methods of therapy are helpful, but some find success with supplementary tools.

The benefits of art therapy may appeal to you if you are looking for something new to try. The question is, is it effective? The short answer is yes. Research suggests that art therapy alleviates anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. It also helps individuals manage pain and reduce all kinds of suffering.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy treats mental health disorders and emotional distress through the use of creative expression. While working with a trained art therapist is an option, you can also try art therapy on your own at home. The type of media you work with is up to you, but common options include painting, drawing, collaging, sculpting, composing music, dancing, and writing. You can also participate in group art therapy, which is a great way to connect with others and work together towards a collective goal.

The act of making art gives people the opportunity to escape harmful thinking and work with their hands. At the same time, creating art helps us to unite mind, body, and spirit. Creation is rewarding; it allows us to make something that didn’t exist before. It’s also a highly enjoyable and relaxing pastime. This is why art therapy is such a positive, uplifting experience for participants.

How Can Art Therapy Improve Your Mental Health?

  • Relieve stress and let go of overwhelming emotions. Working on a piece of art allows you to get some distance from stressful feelings. When you are overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, art therapy can bring a sense of calm to your life.
  • Uncover feelings you didn’t know you had. Once as your hands start moving, you might be surprised by what they produce. Practicing art can be spontaneous, and it allows subconscious feelings to roam free. You may learn more about yourself and find new meaning in life by trying art therapy.
  • Achieve a goal. With art therapy, you get to walk away with something tangible that you created. The feeling of accomplishment you get after creating something beautiful is incredibly fulfilling, whether it’s a painting, a completed journal, or a dance routine.

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Anyone can benefit from art therapy, and it doesn’t require artistic skill or previous experience. There are many people who say “I can’t draw,” or “I’m not artistic,” but art therapy isn’t about ability. Instead, it’s focused on art-making as a healing process. Using a creative outlet as a means of communicating your emotions is the goal of the practice. Additionally, people of all ages can take part in the experience.

Learn More about Our Therapy Programs at Lead4Life, Inc.

At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources like mental health tips so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills. Visit our website or contact us at 240-499-8949 for more information.