AACES: Arts & Activities for Caregivers, Elders & Seniors

BreakAway Arts is pleased to announce the launch of several new opportunities for caregivers, elders & seniors! BAC ascribes strongly to the belief that engaging in creative and social activities supports health and wellbeing, and is specifically important to maintaining vital mental processes, dexterity, and good memory function.

These activities are designed to support creativity and community for people 55+, to add ZEST! to life, and to support wellbeing on all levels. BreakAway Arts and BreakAway Café are housed in a beautiful, ADA compliant facility. Our programs are developed and implemented by experienced and dedicated staff, including a certified art therapist and contracted instructors.

Questions? Call Jera Terreng, Program Development Director at 651.437.3779 or email [email protected]

Caregiver Support:

At BAC, we recognize the challenges and stresses experienced by those in caregiving roles. We also recognize the very real need to find respite, exchange compassionate support, and take a break from the care environment.

Caregiver Support & Create:

The bi-weekly session is open to current caregivers for respite and refreshment in like company. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 10AM - NOON

Caregiver & Care-receiver Support & Create:

This bi-weekly session is offered for caregiver/care-receiver pairs to share time together working on a creative project, as well as exchanging support with others. Facilitated by our registered art therapist. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30PM

Support & Create Groups:

These groups are designed to offer peer support, and include casual creative projects that promote healing and enrich personal development. Good company and conversation; activities optional. Confidentiality commitment required.

Grief Support & Create:

This bi-weekly session is open to those who have experienced life-changing personal loss and are working through grief. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 10AM.

Stroke Survivor Support & Create:

This bi-weekly peer group, led by a stroke survivor and our art therapist, is designed to support and encourage those living with the aftereffects of stroke. Survivors who are capable of listening and communicating independently are welcome. Caregiver support is not offered in this group; caregivers who transport a survivor to this group are welcome to enjoy the treats and coffee available in the café. 1st & 3rd Mondays, 1:30-3:30PM

Veterans’ Support & Create:

This bi-weekly session is open to any veteran who wishes to share, offer & receive support, and explore issues creatively. This is an alcohol-free group. 2nd & 4th Mondays, 1:30-3:30PM

Surviving to Thrive:

This bi-weekly session is open to survivors of cancer and other life-threatening illness, and those who are living with chronic or terminal conditions. Freestyle group for casual conversation and self-directed creative projects. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 1-4PM

Creative Crones is a meet-up and activities group for women and men aged 50+. Sign-up is available on the BreakAway website. Currently, over 80 women are signed up to participate in this group. Sessions often involve both making art and heartfelt and spirited discussion about issues relevant to women as they age.

Bi-weekly drumming circle:

A favorite gathering of the Crones, led alternately by a drumming instructor and our art therapist. Periodically includes joint drumming sessions with the Hastings’ Vets’ Home. A wonderful way to release tension and express joy & energy in community. Check meet-up group page for dates. Meet Up Site

Stitch, Bitch & Wine:

Bi-weekly needle arts gathering for Crones. Bring a project, purchase a beverage from the café, and enjoy the companionship and banter of other women. Alternating Thursday evenings.

LegacyWorks:

Open workshop for those wishing to write memoir, life narrative and personal history; also for those creating memory albums, documents or multi-media histories for family or personal legacy. This session will include monthly facilitation by a writing instructor. Every Thursday, 1-4PM.Senior Open Studio: Start new projects in our equipped studios or bring something in-progress. 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesday afternoons, 1-4pm, starting November 9th.

Golden Age Coffee Clubs:

The BreakAway Café is happy to host your senior group or coffee club. Help us fill the café with fine company and sage banter! Seniors who are BreakAway members receive discounts on café items.

Senior Open Studio:

Start new projects in our equipped studios or bring something in-progress. 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesday afternoons, 1-4pm, starting November 9th.

Meet Program Coordinator, Donna Crocker! Donna is a registered Art Therapist and holds a Masters Degree in Art Therapy. As Program Coordinator, Donna is in charge of reaching out to the community and is currently developing programs for caregivers and seniors

Good for the Mind, Body, & Soul!

Art Therapy classes are designed to exercise your creativity in a way that helps you achieve a meditative state, cleanse the mind, and rejuvinate the soul.

•Reduces Depression, Boredom, & Anxiety

•Encourages Playfulness & Sense of Humor

•Improve Cognition & Motor Function

•Offers Sensory Stimulation & Socialization

•Increases Self-Esteem

•Nutures Spirituality

Art Therapy Class

Ayurveda 2.0: A Deeper Dive - Nicole DePalma

If you're ready to deepen your understanding of the healing art and science of Ayurveda, and how to incorporate its philosophies into your lifestyle, please join us for this workshop. We will take the details of your Dosha characteristics, and build a template for living filled with good food, a focused and meaningful work life, developing contented relationships all bringing you to a higher vibration of best self. Become the YOU you were meant to be with the guidance of Ayurveda.

This workshop is appropriate for those who have taken Nicole's Ayurveda class, or for those who have a good understanding of the basic principles of Ayurveda.

Every Soul has a Story. Some cry out to be heard. Others hide in silence. Express yourself...Honor your soul...Tell your story!

Soul Story Class

This weekly workshop is designed for people who wish to create memory or scrapbooks, "illuminated" memoir, family history/narrative, or any other album or book designed to tell or illustrated personal/family story or history. This is a drop-in opportunity, though participants will find benefit in planning their project and committing adequate time to see it through. This is a wonderful activity to share with a spouse, an aging parent, or another family member or friend.

Materials suggested to bring: Photo album to fill, photos, documents, letters, greeting cards, birth announcements, journals, newspaper clippings, certificates/bulletins/programs from special events and schools.

Other supplies are available in the studio.

Fee: Goodwill donation toward supplies & space.