Catholic Charities of Buffalo Cuts Ribbon on Creative Edge Arts Studio

Catholic Charities USA
Thursday, 26 June 2003

Monsignor Carr Institute (MCI) of Catholic Charities Wednesday held an open house and ribbon cutting for the Creative Edge Arts Studio program, MCI's new, unique program to serve individuals recovering from mental illness and/or addictions.

MCI offers comprehensive mental health and outpatient chemical dependency services. Creative Edge Arts Studio is designed to promote a stronger sense of self through a variety of methods including social and problem-solving skills and exposure to purposeful life choices in the community.

The new program is funded in part through a grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation. The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, health care, scientific research, and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community.

During the six-month program, Creative Edge participants are introduced to a variety of expressive art modalities and experiences, including visual and written arts, music/sonic arts and drama. A second phase of three months will assist participants in further developing experience in one or two art modalities by linking them to a community-based art program, developing a portfolio and mentoring current clients.

Begun in March with the first group of participants, Creative Edge is unique in its approach, according to Eileen Hothow, MS, CRC, ATR-BC, who conceived the program and now supervises it.

"While there are programs similar to ours, Creative Edge Arts Studio offers an added dimension for promoting health and healing," said Ms. Hothow. "The combination of structure with an open art studio and the use of a wide variety of expressive arts is significant."

Dennis C. Walczyk, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities, said the program has experienced a promising start.

"In just three months, we have already grown to include 48 participants in the program, with referrals continuing to rise," said Walczyk. "The mental health/substance abuse service community has really welcomed this innovative program, as indicated by the number of referrals received from these programs. Another positive indication of the program's value is that early results show a high retention rate for participants."

"Creative Edge Arts Studio is another example of our ability to change as we see the needs of the community change and to develop collaborative programs," said Rev. Joseph J. Sicari, Diocesan Director, Catholic Charities. "This program may change some individuals to lead healthier lives who would never be reached through traditional methods."

Most Rev. Henry J. Mansell, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, said, "Envisioning and developing innovative methods to assist those in need is a hallmark trait of Catholic Charities. It is also one reason the agency continues to earn the respect and support of community-minded organizations like The John R. Oishei Foundation. Such collaborative support enables us to continue to provide hope to all."

On behalf of The John R. Oishei Foundation, Anne Tobey, Senior Program Officer, accepted the words of appreciation from Bishop Mansell and agency leaders at the opening.

Program participants' fine art and written works were on display around the studio, located in fourth floor studio space in the Tri-Main Center. In addition, rhythmic drumming could be heard as guests neared the studio.

For more information on the Creative Edge Arts Studio, call (716) 862-0367.

Catholic Charities is the single largest direct human service provider in Western New York, reaching all eight counties with 65 locations. Founded in 1923 as the human service arm of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Catholic Charities also provides comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Charities USA, see their website at: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org