FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation gives adults and children with
special needs a way to express themselves, explore their artistic gifts and
communicate in new ways. Through creative arts and recreation therapies, FAR
clients learn much more than how to play a musical instrument, paint a picture
or learn the latest dance moves. They gain ground developmentally and socially.
They meet therapeutic goals. They make friends. They create. They connect.
The stated mission of FAR is to promote understanding and provide
education for children and adults with special needs through therapeutic
opportunities in the arts, recreation and leisure activities that enrich its
clients, their families, and the greater
community.
The few dozen words in our mission statement describe what our organization does, but those words can’t fully illustrate the magic that happens when a creative arts or recreational therapist and a client work together. In that unique space, Laura found the confidence to sing at her school’s talent show. Leo, who was so sensitive to noise that his first audience was asked to show support with a thumbs-up sign, now delights at the sound of applause and cheers. Shane began to shine when his dreaded therapy appointments were replaced with music and dance. Our clients express their sadness, joy and sometimes silliness through their art, just like any other artist, and their audience understands precisely the emotion they are trying to convey.
Giving more people with special needs the chance to express themselves
is at the heart of our mission. And with the help of FAR therapists, the skills
our clients learn as they create art will serve them in many other parts of
their lives.
