RESPONSES FROM PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMUNITY HEARTBEATS PROGRAM

The project was a struggle, and seemed overwhelming, but we thought that getting the message out there was worth it. Keeping our sights on the purpose of educating the public taught us the value of diplomacy in affecting policy change…..Those of us with mental illness often think of ourselves as outsiders, and lose sight that we are a community of outsiders. Our voice can be used to make a difference. The process taught us that in spite of our struggle to receive better treatment and less expensive medication, ultimately we have each other to help in the recovery process.
-Connections Center , Bowling Green

Having personally confronted the demons of addiction and homelessness in America today, I have been made conscious of the immense and ever-widening gap between what we claim to be as a country and the realities of contemporary life as it is experienced by most Americans. I hope that those who view these drawings will take a deeper, more compassionate look at those whom they encounter on the streets of our central cities. A sense of our common and shared humanity should and can unite us.
-Frank Murphy, Artist, Toledo

Throwing the pot was easy; trying to figure out what to use to symbolize the spirit of the vessel was not…. The past year has been very enlightening for me. Since I met Lorna, I have spent some time contemplating her efforts. We are, in a manner of speaking, all vessels. The marks that we make on ourselves (some we choose, some we don't), come together to make us what we are… The important marks are more subtle and like to hide somewhere between comfort and conscience. I am thankful for Lorna's hard work. It is a reminder of that wonderful place where we are all brothers and sisters.
-Gene Curtsinger, Instructor, Toledo

I became involved in the HVTA program when I met Dr. Lorna Gonsalves. Talking to her made me eager to find out what I could contribute to the project. Lorna’s radiant ambitions, challenging intellect and contagious enthusiasm make her a fascinating person in my acquaintance. I instantly began to look forward to working with her. From that point on, I’ve worked to develop a powerful composition that would spread peace through my art.
-Nate Masternak, Youth Ambassador, Toledo

We talked a great deal about the word empowerment and what that means, about allowing people to speak for themselves. We wanted to impress on the students the dignity of the individual, and the eloquence of the people receiving services. We didn’t translate, we didn’t add our ideas or emotions, we simply conveyed their language.
-Joyce Litten, Social Work Professor, Lourdes College

For the first time, they were asked for their input instead of [being told] to be quite and go away. There was a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
-Nicole Brandstrup, Art Therapist, Juvenile Detention Center , Toledo

I was looking for an opportunity to involve a new color photography class in a socially relevant project, when a flyer about the Community He(art)beats Program was passed on to me….When I presented the assignment to the class, there was a near riot of enthusiasm, discussion, and questions. Perhaps one of the most wonderful and scary aspects of the project were the discussions that ensued over what 'exactly' this was about, and how were we going to 'organize' the project.
-Spencer Cunningham, Photography Instructor, Owens Community College