by Sue Buchholtz
The Holiday season is upon us, and it is a time when many of us share special moments and memories with our families and friends. We reflect upon all we are thankful for and look ahead to the promise of a blessed new year.
Evergreen Life Services supports over 1,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, some with families and some without. For more than 62 years, we’ve helped our individuals to be safe and comfortable, to learn new skills and engage with others in various activities.With your generous support, amazing things continue to happen in the lives of the people who need Evergreen’s services.
Let me share the story of James and how your support has helped him have a joy-filled life. After a tragic motorcycle accident years ago, James was blinded and lost his short-term memory. He still remembers the beauty and excitement of vibrant colors, although he can no longer see them. Because of his short-term memory loss, it feels like a brand new experience every time James paints a picture. Because painting brings James so much joy, his Evergreen staff members approach each new creation as an opportunity to make sure James has an even better experience than the last.
James tells his Evergreen staff members what he wants to paint, and they sketch it on a canvas. They add different textures to each part that needs different shades. James then tells them what colors he wants to use for each surface on the painting. Using his fingers to guide him, James can paint beautiful, colorful canvases.
Thanks to you, James is proud and excited when he hears others react to his beautiful art. He is a fantastic artist and is often featured on Evergreen’s social media channels. Because of you, people like James can express themselves through art. Your support allows them to share their ideas, their joy, and their pain. YOU give them a voice.
Like James, most of the individuals served by Evergreen get to nurture their creativity and discover new skills and talents in Evergreen’s Cultural Art Centers, thanks to your support. Communicating in conventional ways can be difficult for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Often, the introduction of art to the people we serve helps to bridge a communication gap. It also gives them a sense of self and pride.
Your contributions allow Evergreen to continue to provide the same level of care and attention that James receives to more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With increased support, you can allow us to grow and help even more people in need. You nurture James’s creativity and make his dreams come true every time he completes another canvas. Won’t you please consider making more dreams come true for others just like James? Your generous gifts make miracles happen every day for the individuals in Evergreen’s care.
Thank you so much for being so supportive, and have a blessed holiday season.
Warmly,
Dr. Sue Buchholtz, President/CEO
Corporate Office | 2101 Hwy 80 | Haughton, LA 71037
www.evergreenls.org – (318) 949-5500
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Visit our Website: https://evergreenls.org/