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Camber Children's Mental Health

KVC Prairie Ridge Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as a Part of Diversity Matters Initiative

KVC Prairie Ridge Celebrates Diversity

Throughout the month of May, KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital’s Diversity Matters committee planned activities and learning opportunities to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. “As we have a group of diverse staff members who are providing services to a diverse group of clients. Celebrating and embracing diversity is important,” said Sara Schlagel, Associate Director of Hospital Services and member of the Diversity Matters Initiative committee.

Clients receiving treatment at KVC Prairie Ridge were heavily involved in celebrating and learning about Asian Pacific American Heritage throughout the month. Art Therapist Krista Heller discussed the Indian art form Rangoli, and then led groups through creating their designs and projects. In Rangoli, patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards. The use of materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals are showcased. It is usually made during Diwali (Deepawali), Onam, Pongal and other Indian festivals. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.

Rangoli art - KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - Diversity Matters Initiative Rangoli art - KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - Diversity Matters Initiative Rangoli art - KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - Diversity Matters Initiative Rangoli art - KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - Diversity Matters Initiative

Rangoli art - KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - Diversity Matters Initiative

To make them yourself, check out this tutorial on Making Sand Rangolis.

 

RachelmeditationMusic Therapist Rachel Rotert (pictured, left) dedicated time during group meetings focusing on meditation and some on instruments. A favorite part of Rachel’s groups for the clients was the ocean drum. They were able to experiment with it while calming music played in the background.

Frida Kameti, residential treatment therapist, led a group where she demonstrated Henna designs on paper. Frida started by discussing the origin of Henna. After a brief demonstration of Henna designs, Frida instructed clients to design their own Henna on paper.  To try them out on your own, watch this great tutorial on simple Henna drawings on paper.

 

 

tanisefortunecookie

Hospital Activities Coordinator Tanise Smith conducted a special group for all units making paper fortune cookies. Tanise began by playing an informative video educating the group on the origin of the fortune cookie. She then showed the Paper Fortune Cookie Tutorial Video and instructed the clients to make their own paper fortune cookies.

Tanisefortunecookie2Since part of the instructions calls for hot glue, Tanise ensured the safety of the group by operating the hot glue gun for the project.

Our Diversity Matters committee has made it a priority to continue to celebrate diversity, and has plans to celebrate other recognized months such as Caribbean American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Native American Heritage Month to name a few. Visit our Diversity Matters Initiative page on our website to stay updated on what the committee is doing!

About KVC Prairie Ridge

KVC Prairie Ridge is a children’s psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center located in Kansas City, Kansas. Each year, we serve thousands of children and adolescents who have mental and behavioral health challenges or are dealing with the effects of adversity and trauma. Learn more about us and how we help.