Studies show that people recovering from emotional trauma heal faster in an environment that is warm, welcoming and homelike. That’s especially true for the Women of WIN, who are healing from their experience as domestic abuse survivors.
And that’s why we’d like to transform WIN’s roomy-but-plain facility into a place that’s homey and comfortable — and adaptable to our many program activities: job-skill and life-skill classes, individual and group therapy, mentor meetings, production work, and studying.
Currently, group therapy sessions are held in the same space where classes are conducted and work projects are performed. There is no privacy and no sound-deadening walls or room dividers.
For group therapy, WIN would like to create a zone with living room-style seating, area rugs, soft lighting and calming nature-inspired colors. Instead of a sofa, comfortable and durable side chairs would accommodate the participants’ need for personal space; and room dividers, to create a sense of privacy and soundproofing, would further enhance the safe, cocoon-like atmosphere necessary for therapy sessions.
In the classroom/working area participants attend educational presentations during part of the day, then perform a variety of assembly work projects. There, moveable and adjustable work and study tables and chairs are needed, along with bright overhead lighting, and a projection screen for audiovisual presentations is used in class sessions.
We estimate the transformation of WIN’s space will cost approximately $20,000, and we welcome contributions of furnishings, paint and construction materials as well as cash gifts of all sizes toward our goal.
If you would like to learn more about this project and how you can help make it a reality through your financial or material gifts, please call Karen Schmidt or Judy Conkling at 316-262-3960.
Wichita WIN Executive Director Karen Schmidt was the featured guest recently on Entercom radio stations’ Issues program with Steve McIntosh.