Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS) was selected as one of only 15 nonprofit organizations throughout Minnesota to receive a grant from Aroha Philanthropies through its new statewide initiative, “Seeding Vitality Arts MN.”
Chosen from a highly competitive field of applicants, JMHS is among the second cohort of grantees to partner with Aroha Philanthropies in this seminal initiative designed to support the development and expansion of successful creative aging programs.
Vitality Arts programs inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging. Their work is driven by teaching artists whose creative process and understanding of older adults bring joy, connection, improved health and well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose to older adults in the community and residential settings.
“Johnson Memorial Health Services is thrilled to join Aroha Philanthropies at the forefront of the emerging field of creative aging,” said Stacey Lee, JMHS CEO. “Research has shown that adults that engage in creative outlets have fewer doctor visits, less depression, and require fewer medications.”
This Spring Johnson Memorial Health Services will provide three 8-week classes in painting, drawing and creative writing to elders, tenants, and community members. They are currently seeking local artists to help plan the class curriculum. JMHS is pleased to partner with the Seeding Vitality Arts MN initiative which not only supports our community but contributes to a growing movement to bring the many benefits of creative aging to communities far and wide.
For more information about Johnson Memorial Health Services, please contact Kristyn Wicht at 320-769-4323 or visit www.jmhsmn.org.
For more information about Seeding Vitality Arts MN, please visit vitalityarts.org.
