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Military Families Explore Wellness Through Art

  • Writer: Monmouth Arts
    Monmouth Arts
  • Jun 4
  • 3 min read

By Eileen DeLuca


Monmouth Arts’ Creative Expressions program recently visited Earle Naval Base in Colts Neck to deliver its arts and mental health workshop for military-connected families. The event was designed to promote wellness through creative engagement and was led by mental health professional Hannah Jaffe alongside Monmouth Arts staff members. Hannah guided participants through a powerful art directive where individuals painted the outside of a mask to reflect how they are seen by others and the inside to express their private thoughts and emotions. The activity is a part of our Creative Expressions curriculum, designed by licensed art therapist Robyn Schindler. 


The session welcomed 28 participants, including children and their parents/guardians, for an engaging and meaningful experience. Dinner was provided, creating space for connection and community building. During a reflection period, participants shared the stories behind their artwork, fostering open dialogue and emotional expression. One mother, who created masks alongside her two young children, shared that the inside of her mask reflected her efforts to lead with love as a parent, even while privately feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the pressures and unpredictability of the world around her. The masks were photographed, preserving these personal pieces and showcasing the power of art in mental health and wellness.


The Creative Expressions Arts and Wellness Program is a free county-wide initiative that addresses mental health issues among area youth, seniors, and other adults in need. Since its inception in 2021, Monmouth Arts has received grant support from funders, including lmpact 100 Jersey Coast, Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, Mary Owen Borden Foundation, and, most recently, the Flagstar Foundation, which funded the current focus on military-connected families.


Countless studies have shown that using the arts as a form of mental health therapy for understanding, coping, and overall well-being effectively reduces depression and anxiety.  Research has shown that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body, regardless of artistic experience or talent.


For children in military and veteran families, mental health challenges are compounded by frequent moves, deployments, barriers to care, and other service-related stressors. Military children are also more likely than their civilian peers to experience financial instability, food shortages, or housing instability. Additionally, research shows that 30 percent of military family children experience anxiety as a result of their parents' deployment and return from deployment. This often presents as separation anxiety, depression, excessive worry, sleep problems, and other physical complaints. 


The Earle Naval Station serves more than 2,000 military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and families. The Station provides housing for 60 families and includes Earle's Youth Center, a school-age care program and summer camp for children.


 "Creative Expressions creates space for people of all ages and backgrounds to feel seen, heard, and supported through art,” says Devan Brash, the Creative Expressions program manager. “At Earle Naval Base, it was especially moving to see parents and children creating side by side. This workshop gave military-connected families a space to share stories and connect in a meaningful way. Experiences like Earle remind us why this work matters." 


Monmouth Arts has served Monmouth County as the leading arts organization for over 50 years. Our vast resources and network of mental health professionals and teaching artists enable us to provide successful services through the Creative Expressions Program. Our team consists of skilled and experienced professionals, including a Creative Expressions Manager, mental health professionals, and teaching artists. We are dedicated to ensuring the longevity of this project and are constantly working towards improving organizational capacity, forging new partnerships, and diversifying funding sources to reach as many individuals throughout Monmouth County as possible.



Interested in learning more about our Creative Expressions Program? Check out our Creative Expressions page on the website!


 
 
 

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