Testimonials 

Sheri and the AWAH team have been partnering with The Refuge programming for several years, lending their
creativity, insights, and therapeutic expertise to the healing journey of our youth.

In the drop-in arts program, youth have an opportunity to freely express themselves through various forms of
art. Sheri and her team encourage youth to participate regardless of skill level; aiding in the development of
teamwork skills, healthy coping, and creativity. It is a fun, informal environment that is easily accessible and
lends itself to youths concrete ways of thinking and processing information. Due to family dysfunction and
multi-stressed lives, many homeless youth missed out on the key developmental experiences brought about
during play. Participating in expressive art has given them the benefits of light-hearted, creative play and an
opportunity to succeed in creating something.

AWAH has also contributed greatly to the closed-group therapeutic programs facilitated at The Refuge. Sheri’s
therapeutic experience and caring personality has created safety for youth attending these groups. Expressing
oneself through movement and art has made a great impact on these youth, allowing them a non-threatening
way to process and heal from hurts and trauma.

Sheri has brought her own art supplies and volunteered her valuable time to help realize the mission statement
of The Refuge. Through expressive arts, AWAH has given youth a safe opportunity to see their value, worth,
and dignity, and in developing skills to steward their internal and external resources well.