A leader in creativity and mental wellness, AWBW supports hundreds of direct service organizations across the country to incorporate creative expression into their work with trauma survivors. AWBW’s training in facilitating art as a tool for transformation and healing, along with our library of curriculum and ongoing support, strengthens our program partners’ ability to better assist the individuals and communities they serve.
AWBW builds capacity at partnering organizations through training their staff to facilitate our trauma-informed art workshops, as well as continuing to support them as they implement the Windows Program with those who have experienced various forms of trauma. Through this unique model, we have developed a nationwide network of 1,200+ active Windows Facilitators, allowing us to reach tens of thousands of survivors each year.
From the beginning, a circle of connected innovation — comprised of each facilitator, supporter, staff, board member, and survivor — has created AWBW. As we celebrate 30 years of transforming trauma, we invite you to join us in both honoring the talents that have brought our work this far and carrying that work into a sustainable future.
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“Woman of Courage – My focal meditation point”, “This brings mindfulness.”
Blue, Blue, God Loves You
By Tara Samara;
“God is Love” & “On my journey I learned you need to love yourself first to find love, peace and harmony.”
Touchstones
By Christine Treboute;
“My art represents a rose because it was my grandmother’s favourite flower and I really enjoy drowning them.” & “It was great, I really enjoyed myself expressing myself.”
Looking Vase
By Rooby Pathak;
Angel in Flight
By Ethelinda Zabala-Laxa;
Love, Relax, Breath
By Love, Relax, Breath;
“Life Changing” Scarborough Women’s Centre
Love, Relax, Breathe
By Breathe 1,2,3;
“Life Affirming” Scarborough Women’s Centre
Serenity
By Christine Escourse;
“Worth and Love in my life. The blue means peace in my heart and in my life. The sunrisemeans a renewal of my soul and peaceful state of mind. The winter means tranquility.” & “We never stop learning and growing a person no matter how old we get…Live, Love, Grow”
Wings of Love
By Denise Lobo-Pryce;
“Soar to new heights of your dream for love to spread far and wide.” & “Have courage to go with your gut feeling…you never know where it might lead you!”
Rizing Up
By Laura J.;
“I believe any woman can rize up and achieve her dreams after experiencing trauma. I am able to Rize Up!”
Rosie
By Rosie;
“Helped me to remember to do more artwork. I am happy when I am drawing and creating.”
Tree of Nature
By Suzanne Tran;
“My Touchstone. I enjoy nature.”
Everything is Okay
By Christine Sarbu;
“Everything is okay releases resistance.”
& “We are each okay exactly where we are!”
I Am
By Christine Sarbu;
“I Am” is a powerful meditation statement.
& I am a wonderful work in progress!
Puppy Love
By Chelsea Chen;
“Love for all animals and humankind is what motivates me to be a Vegan!”
Spirial
By Laura Van Rooy;
“Money, Family Health,
– the colour blue to me means peace, love, family
– the spiral means I am still in transition”
& “Good! Like more intro into Art Therapy”
Expression
By Isobel Johnston;
“When I attend Women Moving Forward Conference I feel a strong bond, inspired, educated. I Love (it).”