Through ALEX AND ANI | CHARITY BY DESIGN®, we are able to strengthen non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences. One such organization, PeaceLove Foundation, is committed to transforming the lives of those living with mental illness through expressive arts workshops.
Jeffrey Sparr, co-founder of PeaceLove Foundation, recently shared with us the below letter he received from a woman named Julie. Her courageous story and desire to become an art therapist is truly inspiring.
Thank you to Jeff for sharing this amazing story with us! It’s humbling to hear how our partnerships help change the lives of others.
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Jeff,
My name is Julie and this may seem silly, but I feel like fate led me to your organization. I own the Create Peace of Mind bangle, but I didn’t know what it represented until today. Coming across the PeaceLove website, I had the biggest smile on my face. I love everything you represent and do. I actually want to work with kids and art because I have a story as well.
My sophomore year of high school I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. I had a boyfriend, had just won student council president, got my license and got my braces off! I had every reason to be happy and I always felt horrible.
I was in two art classes at that time, though. Mind you, I always loved art, but the clarity and peace of mind it gave me was heaven sent. I was able to think, straighten out my thoughts and come to a conclusion that I needed help and it would be okay.
I know others are not that lucky.
Today, I’m an undergrad student studying Studio Art and Child Development at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. My next goal is to get my masters degree and become an Art Therapist. I still take my medicine, work out every day and I’m married to my high school sweetheart. Life is great!
However, being a person is hard sometimes. And yeah, mental illness is not cool to have, but it is definitely cool to talk about. I feel like helping others through art is my calling.
I am thankful for your story and I want you to know that I admire you an incredible amount.
Keep the peace of mind,
Julie
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Want to help others unleash their creativity and achieve peace of mind?
Shop the Peace of Mind Charm Bangle.
