Carter Compassion Center hosted ‘The Art of Coping’ event last week
Published 3:53 pm Monday, November 21, 2022
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Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
Star Photo/Danielle Morin
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By Danielle Morin
Elizabethton Star
The Carter Compassion Center hosted its first public event last Monday, Nov. 14: an open house event titled “The Art of Coping.”
The event featured artwork from students across Carter County schools, including Unaka Elementary and High School, Hunter Elementary, Keenburg Elementary, Central Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary and Middle Schools, Hampton Elementary, Valley Forge Elementary, and Cloudland Elementary. The event was part of the Coordinated Health Program initiative, one that provides physical and mental health resources to the Carter County school system.
As part of the activity, students were tasked with using art to reflect practical means of coping with difficult emotions like anxiety, anger, depression, or grief. A common theme was that of gratitude, something that Compassion Center founder Brandon Young says is, “one of the things we need to cope,” with many students painting things they were grateful for. That artwork was then hung on all the walls in the center, with barely an empty wall in sight, for attendees to view and enjoy.
In addition to the artwork on display, booths were set up with resources and tips for families who may need guidance on effective coping skills, like journaling, for example. Interim Director Andrew Kingston explained, “Someone might have a child struggling with anxiety. They can come here and get some resources.” Social workers and counselors from Carter County schools were also present for anyone who may have come into the center seeking immediate assistance or needing someone to talk to.
Some local artists also joined the open house for entertainment purposes. Matthew Childers, an illustrator, had some of his artwork available while he sketched drawings during the event. Jacob Proffitt, a local painter, entertained guests with a live painting demonstration. Complimentary refreshments and a raffle for various gift cards and other prizes took place as a special treat for attendees.
The Compassion Center is a place where community members can go to seek help navigating difficult trials in their lives, most notably poverty. Workers at the center, like Kingston, are there to help individuals or families locate community resources they may otherwise not know about — like food banks, utility or housing assistance, or employment opportunities. But Young says the center’s purpose goes beyond addressing poverty in Carter County. “The Compassion Center wants to be able to host events just like this for the community,” said Young, “so we’re not just dealing with poverty but also opening up to all kinds of events that pull the community together.”
The Compassion Center plans to continue reaching out to the community by hosting more events as well as offering counseling and even classes on things that have direct correlations to poverty issues, like literacy. The center is located in the former Chamber of Commerce building at 500 Highway 19E in Elizabethton. Community members can visit or call 423-930-3777, Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
