BRONX, N.Y., May 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VIP Community Services joins with the New York City Mural Arts Project (NYC MAP) to present “Family Day Paint Fest” on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at the VIP Community Services Parking Lot at 1870 Crotona Ave., Bronx, NY. The public is invited to an event filled day of music and mural painting for murals being installed on two schools in Tremont / Crotona and Webster Avenue. The free event offers activities for all ages including jump rope, hopscotch, coloring, painting, community resources in behavioral health, as well as wellness and health care insurance enrollment.
NYC MAP is a collaborative effort between mental health consumers, artists, community-based organizations and the community at large. The two murals in the Bronx will be created by muralist Tova Snyder. NYC MAP is part of New York City’s effort to increase services and awareness about mental health, and aligns with First Lady Chirlane McCray’s goal to build social cohesion and reduce the stigma that continues to surround mental illness.
The public is invited to participate in the production of the murals using a special technique called the Parachute Cloth Method, ensuring that everyone can participate in the creation of the murals.
“Through this event, we’re promoting community building and mental health / wellness services through a collaborative mural making,” noted VIP Community Services CEO Debbie Pantin.
“The murals will be a source of healthy pride for our community,” added Carmen Rivera, Assistant Vice President of VIP Community Services.
About VIP Community Services
VIP Community Services is dedicated to changing lives and transforming its community. We offer a continuum of services to individuals with histories of chemical dependency. Our client-centered approach empowers people to take charge of their lives and discover their personal paths to self-sufficiency. For more information go to www.VIPServices.org.
About NYC Mural Arts Project:
NYC MAP is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Fund for Public Health of New York to foster community building and help destigmatize mental illness through a collaborative mural making process across New York City. NYC MAP has partnered with VIP Community Services to bring together mental health consumers and the community at large to discuss mental illness and its perceptions. Together we translate our conversations into a visual narrative so our murals reflect the diversity and strength of individuals living with mental illness and their communities.