FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 6, 2024
Contact:
Paige Pelonis, Director
CityHeART
Phone: 562-704-9585
Email: paige@ourcityheart.org
Website: www.ourcityheart.org
LONG BEACH, CA – CityHeART is proud to introduce HeART of Survival, a transformative program designed to support individuals and families navigating the aftermath of trauma, including domestic violence, systemic inequities, financial hardships, housing instability, and accessibility challenges. This innovative initiative blends trauma-informed care with creative expression, peer support, and holistic resource navigation to empower participants to heal, rebuild, and thrive.
“CityHeART’s HeART of Survival is an exciting new program that marks a transformative step forward for CityHeART,” Executive Director Paige Pelonis said. “In addition to providing resources and peer support, it’s about creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals can heal and rediscover their strength. Through creativity and connection, this program is shaping the future of our work, empowering participants to not only survive but truly thrive.”
The HeART of Survival program offers:
- Therapeutic Peer Support Groups: Compassionate, peer-led spaces for sharing experiences, building resilience, and rediscovering personal strengths through shared stories and connections.
- Creative Healing Workshops: Art, writing, music, and other creative outlets to help participants process trauma and express emotions in transformative ways.
- Resilience-Building Activities: Goal-setting, confidence-building, and celebrating progress through tailored workshops and events.
- Holistic Resource Support: Assistance navigating systems such as housing, healthcare, and benefits programs, ensuring continuity of care.
- Crisis Response and Advocacy: Immediate assistance for individuals in crisis, including safety planning and emergency support.
- Long-Term Stabilization Support: Follow-up care and assistance in achieving goals like permanent housing, education, or employment.
Crystal Hart, CityHeART’s HeART of Survival Program Director, added, “The HeART of Survival is a groundbreaking, one of a kind program established by trauma survivors, including myself, who have discovered the innate healing abilities that art, music, and peer support possess as powerful tools to help heal the impacts of trauma upon the mind, body, and spirit. By creating safe spaces for connection and creative expression, we aim to assist individuals in rediscovering hope, self soothing, positive coping mechanisms, community, and the inspiration to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.”
Whom We Serve CityHeART’s HeART of Survival program is tailored to support individuals and families navigating the impacts of trauma, including survivors of domestic violence, Veterans, seniors, and families with children with a specific focus on those navigating experiences such as homelessness, food and housing insecurity, domestic violence, sexual assault, and systemic inequities. By addressing immediate needs and building long-term strategies, the program helps participants reclaim stability and achieve their goals.
Get Involved CityHeART invites the community to join the effort by:
- Volunteering as a group facilitator or resource navigator
- Donating to fund emergency services and healing-focused programs
- Sharing the mission to expand awareness and community support
About CityHeART
CityHeART is a nonprofit organization based in Long Beach, CA, wholeheartedly dedicated to loving our city and sharing its stories. CityHeART’s therapeutic and heART-forward programming ignites the HeART of Survival in Veterans, seniors, families, and other individuals impacted by trauma, with a specific focus on those navigating experiences such as homelessness, food and housing insecurity, domestic violence, sexual assault, and systemic inequities. CityHeART is where YOUConnect to resources, services, and support networks while creating and expressing your own Art from Ashes that promotes healing and empowerment for yourself and the community. With a mission rooted in empathy, compassion, dignity, and creativity, CityHeART connects people to vital resources while fostering healing and empowerment through art and storytelling.
For more information about the HeART of Survival program or to support CityHeART’s efforts, please visit www.ourcityheart.org.
Read bio of CityHeART’s Heart of Survival Program Director Crystal Hart
