FARGO, N.D. HeartSprings, a local nonprofit community healing center is now offering innovative therapeutic art sessions for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This free service is available due to a generous art grant funded by the FM Area Foundation.
“Through our collaborative relationship with the FM Area Foundation, we are able to help people in our local community by providing state-of-the-art services like no other in the FM community,” said Jan Nelson, HeartSprings executive director.
According to Nelson, this unique program uses therapeutic art to help people challenged by TBIs. The arts have proven to be so effective that the Walter Reed National Medical Center has developed a model for integrative arts programs to assist military personnel who are challenged by TBIs.
“Our program, located right here in Fargo, ND hosts therapeutic art and music for veterans and civilians. We are ecstatic to be the first to be able to offer this creative and effective resource to those in our community who need it,” Nelson said.
Art instructor Lexie Rundquist explains, “We believe that the soothing qualities of art help to foster a calm environment for individuals, allowing them to grow cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. This is done in a space that encourages them to explore activities that stimulate the whole brain and increase neuroplasticity.”
In addition to Therapeutic art, HeartSprings offers a number of exclusive services focused on individual healing with a specific focus on cognitive challenges, such as people suffering from TBIs and Parkinson’s disease. An example of this unique approach to healing includes using the power of song to combat the loss of a person’s voice, a common symptom associated with Parkinson’s disease.
“At HeartSprings, our mission is to provide integrated, complementary therapies that enhance health, hope, healing, and vibrancy to those living with chronic or life-altering conditions. We not only help with
everyday stress, but specialize in working with trauma, behavioral health, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress,” Nelson said.
To learn about the many other services offered by HeartSprings, website: http://www.heartspringscenter.com
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The FM Area Foundation is a nonprofit, community foundation created by and for the people of Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. The FM Area Foundation helps people give back to the community and ensures the needs of the community are addressed now and in perpetuity. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits, the FM Area Foundation manages charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and causes.