Ashley for the Arts Community Cares Grant Empowers Mental Health Initiative

Furniture World News Desk on 12/27/2024

Pictured above: Jackson County staff members and Ashley for the Arts representatives.

Ashley for the Arts announces Jackson County Department of Health & Human Services' Behavioral Health Division as the recipient of its 2024 Community Cares Grant. The funds will support the innovative "Spread Your Wings" project during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. 

The grant will enable the Behavioral Health Division to collaborate with nationally recognized Earthworks artist and emerging art therapist Elizabeth Bryan-Jacobs during their annual Wellness Extravaganza event. Bryan-Jacobs, who pioneered the field of Creative Behaviorism, will guide community members in creating a large-scale angel wings art installation that symbolizes hope and healing. 

"We are very excited to have received these funds to carry out the Spread Your Wings Project," says Jessica Stinson, Behavioral Health Division Manager. "When we saw the call for grant requests from Ashley for the Arts, we knew this project would be a perfect fit as it incorporates our community, the arts and our vision of improving the quality of life for our community members." 

The project aligns perfectly with the Division's evidence-based approach to mental health treatment. Research shows that engaging in artistic activities can significantly benefit individuals who have experienced developmental trauma by supporting healthy brain development and emotional recovery. 

The Behavioral Health Division has a strong track record of community impact, having served over 300 referrals in 2023 and reaching 500-600 community members through their annual Wellness Extravaganza. This new initiative will further their mission to promote optimal wellness through advocacy, education, and comprehensive services. 

"Art, whether that be music, theatre, painting or other forms of art can be very therapeutic in one's life and something that we promote within the services Jackson County Behavioral Health provides, and we are excited to be able to do it at a community level. We are grateful for this opportunity," Stinson added. 

The completed angel wings installation will be permanently displayed in the community as a lasting symbol of hope and healing through artistic expression.  

Dedicated to enriching lives through arts and cultural experiences, Ashley for the Arts created the Community Cares Grant to empower local non-profit, educational, and civic organizations pursuing similar missions. The non-profit organization's highly anticipated annual three-day music and arts festival returns to Arcadia, Wisconsin, from August 7-9, 2025. Stay tuned for exciting announcements regarding headline entertainment by following Ashley for the Arts on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are now on sale, visit ashleyforthearts.com/tickets.  

About Ashley for the Arts 
Ashley for the Arts is a nonprofit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and family fun for a remarkably low cost. The organization is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating over $4 Million since its inception to more than 70 non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities, and medical research. This music and arts festival was conceptualized and established by Ashley Furniture Industries in 2009 and takes place in Arcadia, Wisconsin’s Memorial Park.  

For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com.