Lower Merion Nonprofit's 'Art Works' Supports Children Victimized By Trauma

LOWER MERION, PA -- TheVillage, a local nonprofit that supports children and families impacted by trauma in the greater Philadelphia area, is hosting its 6th annual Art Works fundraiser to support and expand its innovative therapies and residential treatment programs.

Tragically, trauma is extremely prevalent in the Philadelphia area. Thirty seven percent of adults have had four or more adverse childhood experiences, making trauma-informed care and innovative therapies a true need, according to a press release from theVillage.

Working hand-in-hand with the community, theVillage is taking steps to address this need and serve those impacted by trauma.

Art Works will take place on Thursday, May 5 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Deaconess Estate, a sprawling, late Gothic Revival suburban estate previously owned by the Pew family and used by the Deaconesses, located at 801 Merion Square Road, Gladwyne.

A highlight of this year’s event includes a live auction and an exhibit of 50 pieces of artwork created by adolescent girls in theVillage’s residential treatment programs, as part of their art therapy.

Additionally, the Healing Spirits Award will be awarded to Loren Preheim, president and CEO of theVillage from 1975 – 2007, in honor of his dedication to helping thousands of children and families within the community. TheVillage will also recognize Bryn Mawr Trust as an inaugural Corporate Dream Builder Honoree as thanks for the time, talent and resources they have provided to theVillage for more than 12 years.

Art Works attendees support critically needed services that help children heal from trauma, achieve their full potential and have hope for a brighter future. Last year’s program raised more than $188,000, which funded the theVillage’s creative arts therapies, dance and movement therapy, a curriculum-based running program and more.

Image courtesy theVillage.