HCRS hosts an Art Exhibit to celebrate 50 years

Health Care and Rehabilitation Services celebrates 50 years in service to its community expressed through the art of that community.

www.vermontjournal.com

HCRS hosts an Art Exhibit to celebrate 50 years BY TRINA MENARD, The ShopperNovember 23, 2017 HCRS Tristan Bridges The view from the top. Mixed Media. Photo by Trina Menard BRATTLEBORO, Vt. – Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) celebrates 50 years in service to its community expressed through the art of that community. Tristan Bridges, residential coordinator for Meadowview Recovery Residence & HCRS, explained, “It started as an idea to celebrate the community that we have. We really were surprised at the high-quality work that showed up from professionals and amateurs alike. Work from over 60 artists all from within our business and community.” The show was a two-dimensional assembly of a variety of different artistic disciplines. Bridges himself had two pieces displayed in the exhibition. “Response to the show has been incredible, many of the artists are volunteers here at the River Garden,” says Orly Munzing, executive director of Strolling of the Heifers. The exhibition has been open since Nov. 3 and will continue through Nov. 29, 2017. HCRS has been dutifully attending to the needs of the Springfield community since 1967. HCRS is a non-profit community mental health agency that serves approximately 4,500 residents on any given year. They offer programs in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. HCRS also provides additional supports in such forms as supporting employment, transportation, housing, and social service supports. The focus is on building and maintaining personal growth. The art exhibition follows the Oct. 21 concert of Me2/ Orchestra at the Latchis Theatre in Brattleboro. Members of Me2/ Orchestra are dedicated to furthering supports for people living with mental illness. Some members of the group also suffer from such conditions as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, borderline personality disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It is estimated that some 115,000 Vermont residents suffered from mental illness within the last year. Many people fail to reach out for support based on fear and stigma. The community of HCRS encourages you to reach out for help or to be a help to others in need. Visit www.hcrs.org for more information.