Archive for April, 2012

Shared Humanity Revealed Through Dance

What Poverty?          “There are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words,” said famed dancer Doris Humphrey. A packed Vertigo Theatre and a standing ovation for the Mpact dancers’ performance of “Something to Say-Make Poverty Personal,” earlier this month indeed spoke volumes about the shared struggles between the poor and wealthy. Both deface humanity and impoverish the soul.
          The show, produced by Connie Jakab, was sold-out every night. It raised $2,300 and helped to enlighten the possibilities of dance, art and conversation in bridging the divide between rich and poor.
          “Connie and her team of dancers did an extraordinary job communicating the sadness, hope, and different circumstances of those living in poverty,” says Raman Basi from Discovery House. “Through movement, the dancers brought emotion to the hearts of the audience.”
          Together with Mpact’s talented dancers and a host of giving organizations (see list below), the audience received a vivid reminder that everyone has the capacity to heal hearts and build bridges through kindness, creativity . . . and dance.

To learn more about Mpact go to: www.mpactdance.com
For pictures go to: culturerebel.com

Partners included: Discovery House, 3 Things for Calgary, Birthday Buddies Inc., Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, Calgary Dream Centre, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Highbanks Society, Humanity In Practice, Inn from the Cold, NeighbourLink, Role Mothers, Salvation Army, Servants Anonymous Society, Sonshine Community Services, Alex Youth Health Centre, the Drop in Centre, United Way, The Victory Foundation, Simon House Recovery Centre, The Mustard Seed, YWCA Calgary, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, COHR Health, and Legacy One.

2012
04/26
CATEGORY
News
1 comment

Med Student Learns About Abuse Recovery

This winter, Discovery House participated in a pilot project in which University of Calgary medical students directly experienced the special populations they will likely encounter as future physicians.“The iHopedea is  to better understand how best to care for them—on an individual and on a public health education level,” says Meghan , a first-year medical student.
 

As part of their course Healthy Populations, students shadowed  community partners who help people like: disadvantaged seniors, new immigrants and the homeless. Meghan and her colleagues chose Discovery House due to their interest in the recovery process for victims of domestic violence.

The students accompanied Case Managers from the Community Housing program. Meghan’s experiences included meeting an abused woman who had trouble communicating and connecting with others.  In another case, the client talked openly about her abuse, and her anxiety and challenges in accessing Calgary mental health resources.

 She was illuminated by the contrast:  one withdrawn and uncommunicative; the other more empowered so know and say what she needed. Meghan was able  to see the gaps in the needs relative to the care available. Her team focused on Discovery House’s Hands Up Bursary because it’s an example of one such solution. The Hands Up Bursary program, set up through donor generosity, helps clients pursue post-secondary education.

Meghan wants to be a physician who actively intervenes in people’s lives. Through her Discovery House experience, she experienced how gradual the recovery process is for abuse victims.

 “It takes a whole team to help someone heal from domestic violence. It takes time and persistence to get yourself out of an abusive relationship and back on track in caring for your family. I have so much admiration for women who can do that.”

2012
04/18
CATEGORY
News
Write comment