The Art of Being Well

Self expression and self awareness … imagination and abstract thinking … self esteem and social skills … Our Lady of the Wayside knows that wellness involves caring for an individual’s mental and emotional well-being along with their physical well being. With this in mind, I am pleased to announce the opening of Wayside Studios!

Opening in June, Wayside Studios will foster self-expression for individuals with developmental disabilities enabling individuals to demonstrate and be recognized for their talents, gifts and ability to contribute to their community and society at large. Program participants will be enriched through a focus on visual arts including drawing, painting, photography, print making, crafts, graphic design, pottery, sculpture and ceramics as well as performance arts such as theater and singing. Additionally, consumers will have access to the arts community through partnerships with area studios and arts organizations.

Program goals include enabling the children and adults The Wayside serves to communicate thoughts, feelings and concepts that cannot be fully expressed by words alone. Specifically, participation in Wayside Studios will help individuals with sensory regulation and integration, developmental growth and recreation/leisure skills. Thoughtful, achievable goals will be established for participants and progress toward those goals will be evaluated by tracking outcomes and mastery levels.

Wayside Studios is made possible by a generous gift from Garfield Friends and Family who donated their wonderful facility to The Wayside. In addition to Wayside Studios, we anticipate a number of opportunities for mixed and varied uses which include dances, holiday festivities, entertainment options such as film nights and talent shows, fundraising benefits, small-group classes and other life-enrichment activities.

GREAT SUMMER EVENTS ON TAP!

Summertime in Cleveland is just around the corner and with that Our Lady of the Wayside is gearing up for Grapes & Ale, the hottest BBQ featuring more than 200 internationally acclaimed wines, the best craft brews and the sauciest bbq fare in town!  The event, presented by Giant Eagle, will be held at Progressive Field on Friday, June 28 from 7pm-10pm.  Visit the Grapes & Ale page for more information and to buy your tickets today.

If you are looking for a great way to network with potential clients or treat your customers to a day of golf, reserve your foursome and join our good friends Mike & Sharon Hargrove and Golf Fore the Wayside on Monday, August 12 at Lake Forest Country Club.  Sponsorships are still available! Click here to reserve your spot or learn more about how you can sponsor.

We round out the summer with Labor of Love: Race 4 the Wayside, our inaugural 4k relay/run at Rocky River High School and surrounding areas on Sunday, September 1.  The event will feature a 4k relay or individual run as well as a 2k fun run/walk, a family fun area, awards, raffles and lots of fun to end the summer.  Sign up here to participate and get more information.  Looking to feature your business? We are offering sponsorship opportunities as well and you can click here for more information.

There are so many exciting things in store for The Wayside throughout the year, so be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on all the latest news and information!