Promoting mental health awareness is the idea behind a special event, “Color Outside The Chaos,” being presented by Unity4Kids next Thursday, May 14, at the Virginia Horse Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the guided painting session commencing at 6.
Led by local artist Jessica McCullough, the event is billed as a Family Paint Night. Those participating will enjoy a guided painting experience designed for all skill levels – no experience is necessary. Attendees will be able to take home their own artwork and have an opportunity to connect with other families in the community. All painting supplies will be provided at no cost.
In addition to the painting session, the event will feature short presentations from community speakers covering three timely topics: mental health and emotional wellness for the whole family; stress and anxiety management; and addiction prevention and recovery. Those attending will be invited to ask questions and learn about local resources available in the community.
“Families in Rockbridge County are carrying so much right now – stress, anxiety, the weight of mental health and addiction struggles that often go unspoken,” noted Tammy Reid, executive director of Unity4Kids. “Family Paint Night is our way of saying: you don’t have to carry it alone. We wanted to create a space where families could come together, slow down, create something beautiful, and walk away feeling a little lighter – and a little more connected to the community resources around them. That’s what ‘Color Outside the Chaos’ is really about – finding moments of calm and color in the middle of hard seasons.”
Throughout the evening, families will have access to community resource tables staffed by local partner organizations, including Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, Rockbridge Recovery, Rockbridge Area Community Services, Rockbridge CAN and the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany Counties. These organizations offer health and wellness resources, peer-driven recovery support, behavioral health services and ongoing community support for individuals and families.
The event is being held in recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month. Admission is free and open to the public but space is limited. Families are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling (540) 784-2659. More information is available at the website, www.unity4kids. com.
