DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 1, 2004 DHSS-97-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: The finishing touches to DHCI's new murals will be made on Oct. 8 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AND RESIDENTS TO COMPLETE MURALS AT DHCI FRIDAY
Twenty youth volunteers will work with residents of the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) to add the finishing touches to colorful new murals at the Smyrna hospital on Friday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The youth volunteers from the Whatcoat Social Service Agency Summer Camp, Smyrna High School and the General Motors Job Bank worked all summer on nine murals with members of DHCI's New Horizons Adult Care program, which serves seniors and adults with physical disabilities.
The project was part of the "Working Hand in Hand, Community Means Unity" initiative. The cheerful murals -- featuring hearts, handprints, flowers and butterflies -- add 120 feet of welcome primary colors to two hallways in the adult daycare area.
"The kids learned they have more things in common with people with disabilities than differences," said Anna Reese-Short, DHCI's rehabilitation director. "By working hand-in-hand, they created beautiful results."
Twenty-five adult and youth volunteers designed, sketched and painted the murals at biweekly gatherings during July and August. The adults benefited from the physical activity, and the children, ages 5-17, learned about the pleasures of interacting with senior citizens and people with disabilities. DHCI staff provided the volunteers with lunch and information on health, dental hygiene and nutrition.
About 20 children of homeless families were on the mural team, said Chris Steele, Whatcoat's education director. Whatcoat Social Service Agency is a shelter provider offering after-school and summer camp programs for at-risk homeless children in the Dover area.
"Watching the smiles and laughter of homeless children, the elderly and the disabled working 'Hand in Hand' was an enlightening experience," Steele said. "The agencies worked together to benefit each other as a whole."
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
