Mental Health Agency Hosts ‘Feelings are My Super Powers’ Exhibit

On May 22, El Centro de Amistad (ECDA), a San Fernando mental health agency, hosted “Feelings are My Super Powers” Art Exhibit at La Galeria Gitana as part of its annual Community Mental Health Day. Thirteen children’s artwork was featured at this event in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“During this month not only do we highlight mental illness but celebrate mental health,” said Tamika Farr, ECDA executive director. “Our clients are superstars, capable, resilient and stronger than most people. Twenty percent of people who live in the US have mental illness, yet only 20% of the people who need help seek the help they need. Our clients are among those who have sought out help and I commend them for living a healthy mental health lifestyle.”

Eleven of the 13 children, who participated in four art sessions in April, attended the exhibit and were honored with commemorative certificates from Los Angeles Board of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl (Third District) presented by Benita Trujillo, Kuehl’s district director, and from Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-45th District). The children also received tote bags filled with art supplies and a canvas to continue empowering them in depicting their feelings through expressive arts.

ECDA’s Community Mental Health Day promotes positive mental wellness by bringing the community together to learn about holistic medicine, physical health, the arts, nutrition and individual and family therapy in an effort to promote healthy homes and communities. The event also featured several mental health videos to showcase understanding and compassion for individuals who are experiencing mental illness. About 100 guests also received the children’s artwork on postcard-size favors and bookmarkers.

“We are so proud of [the children],” said Farr. “Our feelings are our super powers and they are not to be used against us but instead help us thrive and fly.”

Among the super power sponsors who celebrated mental health along with ECDA were Bank of America, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield for the 3rd Council District, CalMHSA, and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

Throughout its 42 years in this community, El Centro de Amistad has served more than 110,000 individuals, empowering the lives of children, families and individuals for a better tomorrow. With support from its multilingual and cross-cultural staff, they serve 1,500 children, adults and families annually. The agency’s goals are to reduce risk factors that lead to violence, school failure, gang affiliation, and child abuse. When treating adults, the goals are to curb debilitating behaviors, assist in enhancing self-sufficiency, and resolve issues that are barriers to employment.

If you are interested in learning how to donate towards expressive arts for clients, call Tamika Farr at Tamika.f@ecda.org or call 818-347-8565. Visit www.ecda.org to learn more about ECDA’s services and programs.

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