Amanda’s Easel Coordinator Cindi Westendorf (l-r) and New Jersey first lady Mary Pat Christie look at ornaments created for the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C. Amanda’s Easel is the creative arts therapy program of 180 Turning Lives Around, which serves families affected by domestic abuse. Twenty-three ornaments inspired by children’s visions of a safe and peaceful home hang on the New Jersey Christmas Tree, part of the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C.
The ornaments were designed and created by children and families affected by domestic violence who are served by local nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around, which was selected to create ornaments for the New Jersey tree on display near the White House.
“To reach out to families that have taken advantage of the program and moved to a place where they’re no longer victims, but survivors, and to be able to artistically and creatively showcase that journey was really important,” Cindi Westendorf, coordinator of the Amanda’s Easel program, said in a Nov. 28 interview.
“I think it’s just as important to make sure the public understands that domestic violence is a societal ill and people need to be educated about it.”
She said the mission of 180 Turning Lives Around is to help families affected by domestic violence and trauma.
“[Amanda’s Easel] specifically puts non-offending parents and children through the process of an intensive therapy program,” Westendorf said.
Every ornament used the image of a birdhouse to represent a safe home, but Westendorf said each child personalized their own ornament with pictures and statements about what made them feel safe.
“We included things like compassion, parents, siblings, love, peacefulness, or whatever they saw as a safety point for them,” Westendorf said.
“They also included representations of New Jersey, such as our state bird or state flower. We also had shells and sand [to represent the Jersey Shore] or pine cones for the Pine Barrens.
“We looked all over the state and saw what people felt was important to them. We combined those things: the love of our state, holiday time and the idea of feeling safe again,” Westendorf said.
The organization had a special volunteer on Nov. 3, when New Jersey first lady Mary Pat Christie visited the program.
“We talked a lot about how everybody has their own story and why it’s important to share. She was really gracious. She took the time to speak to past clients and children and made sure she knew everybody who was in the room that day,” Westendorf said.
“The governor and I are so proud to have Amanda’s Easel create this year’s official state ornament for the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.,” Mary Pat Christie said in a press release from 180 Turning Lives Around.
“The holidays are a time for giving, peace and goodwill. Through the fine work of Amanda’s Easel, children and their families are rebuilding their lives and healing from the effects of domestic violence, a true inspiration for the holiday season and every day.”
Westendorf said the creative arts therapy offered by the Amanda’s Easel program helps children face many different obstacles.
“The families we serve have many challenges to face, including single parenting, homelessness and life transitions precipitated by family violence. Amanda’s Easel allows these families to begin to heal and feel strengthened and encouraged that better days are coming,” she said.
The 89th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, is scheduled to be held Dec. 1.
The New Jersey tree is one of 56 trees representing all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia on display along with the National Christmas Tree.
For more information about 180 Turning LivesAround and the Amanda’s Easel program, visit 180nj.org.
Contact Mike Davis at [email protected]