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The Healing Arts Project
Healing is not linear.
HopeWorks’ provides opportunities for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, including adult survivors of child sexual abuse, to create a supportive community for reflection, to explore self-care tools for their healing journey, and to have space to imagine and work towards creating a community without violence.
For nearly 15 years, HopeWorks of Howard County has facilitated programs that offer the healing power of the arts.
The Healing Arts Project is comprised of 10 expressive-arts programs (plus special events!) developed using trauma-informed peer support and self-advocacy.
Research in the last decade has confirmed that creative expression is an effective tool for creating wellbeing and has multiple positive benefits. The Healing Arts Project programs are available through our partnership with THE YES WITHIN, an expressive-arts organization that uses poetry, journaling, visual arts, music, movement, and mindfulness techniques.
For more information, contact:
Vanita Leatherwood, M.A., TLA, PTR
Director of The Healing Arts Project
Dragonfly@HopeworksofHC.org
Support & Education Groups
The Healing Arts Project hosts three unique support & education groups for survivors: ARTiculation, LOVED, and Reclamation.
During each group, we will cultivate self-compassion, resilience, connection, learning, and self-directed advocacy. Sessions will feature a variety of healing arts techniques, self-care tips, guided discussion, mindfullness techniques, and guest facilitators.
Topics and events vary; to learn more about each group, clink the boxes below!
ARTiculation
Many survivors experience chronic pain and other health conditions that interfere with their quality of life. During ARTiculation, we use the healing power of the arts as a tool to reflect on our wellbeing, our challenges, and our resiliency.
Sessions feature the use of Transformative Language Arts (TLA), mindfulness activities, and relazation techniques. All sessions of this free program meet virtually via Zoom from 3:00PM-5:00PM.
- Sunday, November 9th, 2025
- Sunday, December 14th, 2025
- Sunday, January 11th, 2026
- Sunday, February 8th, 2026
To register for ARTiculation, click here.
LOVED
LOVED is a survivor self-care circle specifically held for black women. During LOVED, we address “triple jeopardy”; the exploitation and oppression experienced by survivors who are black women.
Through engaging in creative activities, we cultivate self-love, sustained acceptance and affirmation, beloved community, and strategies to address the root causes of violence. Sessions feature the use of expressive-arts techniques, guided discussions, seminars, and guest speakers.
Each session is held from 10:00AM-12:00PM. In-person session dates are noted below.
- Saturday, September 27, 2025 (In-Person)
- Saturday, November 22, 2025 (Virtual)
- Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Virtual)
- Saturday, April 25, 2026 (In-person)
To register for LOVED, click here.
Reclamation
Reclamation is a support and education group for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Sessions are held from 10:00AM-12:00PM. In-person dates are noted below.
- Saturday, August 23, 2025 (In-Person)
- Saturday, October 11, 2025 (Virtual)
- Saturday, February 8. 2026 (Virtual)
- Saturday, May 23, 2026 (In-Person)
To register for Reclamation, click here.
Becoming a Program Member
In addition to The Healing Arts Project, HopeWorks offers another set of programs focused on supporting survivor wellness and wellbeing: The Survivor’s Health Project.
The difference? The Healing Arts Project focuses on arts-based healing, while the Survivor’s Health Project works to address the needs of survivors living with chronic illnesses. Any survivor may register and attend any of the programs that are promoted through our Community Engagement Department, whether they are Healing Arts-based or Survivor’s Health-based. However, you can become eligible for special benefits and perks when you become a member!
Membership Benefits include:
- Automatic pre-registration for survivor support groups (links to virtual programs automatically emailed)
- Eligibility to borrow + use items from the Wellness Locker (e.g., weighted blankets, light therapy lamps, heating pads, yoga mats, self-care items, and more!)
- Eligibility to use our Food Pantry (e.g., nonperishable food items, self-care items, grocery store gift cards)
- Eligibility to receive donations + gift cards via HopeWorks’ Holiday Drives (November & December)
- Receive invitations to special events, offers, and opportunities
- Receive invitations to members-only programming (not available to non-members)
- Receive and keep arts programs materials (e.g., journals, art supplies)
- Receive Wellness Grants (as available) and the Vetted Practitioners Directory
- Receive a subscription to the CALM App (ends May 30, 2026)
Eligibility for Membership
Interested in becoming a member of the Survivor’s Health Programs? Here’s how to get involved:
- Be a survivor of sexual and/or intimate partner violence (includes domestic violence and child sexual abuse)
- Complete the membership application
- Regularly attend programs and workshops*
- Attend special events (e.g. Candlelight Vigil, Child Abuse Prevention Vigil)*
- Follow the guidelines established for each grant or special pricing opportunity
*Program members are required to attend a minimum of 10 sessions between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Additionally, members must also attend a minimum of 2 special events/vigils between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
Ready to apply? Contact Vanita Leatherwood, Director of The Healing Arts Project, at dragonfly@hopeworksofhc.org.
