God is Faithful Temporary Shelter (GIFTS), a faith-based organization which provides housing and resources to men experiencing homelessness in Janesville, is excited to partner with SSM Health.  
 
After earning an SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville Mini Grant in 2022, GIFTS launched “Heal.Create.Explore.” The art therapy program helps GIFTS residents to express themselves and promote positive mental health outcomes.
 
Further opportunities to expand the art therapy program began taking place in 2023, with the introduction of a woodworking class.
 
In July, GIFTS representatives visited SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville to thank the health ministry for its support, and to present a beautiful bench made by art therapy students.
 
“Our goal with art therapy is to provide a path of self-discovery and healing while the men at GIFTS await mental health care. Sometimes the obstacles of insurance and finding a mental health professional can take up to eight weeks,” said GIFTS Executive Director MaryAnn Raash. “We are so blessed that SSM Health stepped up to help us fill that time gap with a grant for an art therapy program. Our men now have a way to express themselves, their feelings, and begin to process painful experiences through ink, paint, clay, and other media.”

In addition to dedicating the bench, GIFTS made an exciting announcement: the organization’s first art therapy showcase will soon take place.

“Mental health is a huge component of overall wellbeing,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “The GIFTS art therapy program is making such a positive impact in the community, and we are excited to see how it transforms in the future.”