A Safe Haven- Ashly Avila
Safe Havens
As we worked together during tumultuous times, we explored the many meanings of safety—from staying physically and mentally safe during COVID to safe sex.
Embroidery sewn by Mia Lazar
“During the pandemic, my apartment was my safe haven.”
Willnette Cunningham
How we stay connected during the pandemic— from Raven’s journal
Creating community during the pandemic
Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from meeting our community partners face to face, we found ways of creating relationships through Zoom, phone calls, and shared journal entries.
“The harmony that we find and create in one another is what creates safety. It starts from within but that communal harmony creates a lasting safety.”
Lindsay Bryant
Darlene’s Journals
Shruti’s Journal
Safe Spaces in Journaling
Not only were we able to build community with one another, but our journaling experience gave us opportunities to express joy, sorrow, pain, and pleasure all in one non-judgmental safe space.
By hand-crafting our own journals, we were able to create a more intimate experience with our partners.
Donna’s Journal
Creating Safe Havens Through Music
Collage of Eric King by Mia Lazar
What Brings You Joy?
Writing in nature —TaShira Iverson
Therapeutic massage —Lindsay Bryant
Traveling and meeting new people —Donna Burton
Being in the company of people —Willnette Cunningham
Knowing how and why the world works —Ashly Avila
Phone calls with family —Shruti Sathish
We bonded with our community partners over our shared love of music.
Eric King started playing the piano when he was a freshman in college, and he hasn’t stopped since. He shares his love of music with his community by playing piano at his church.
Songs brought us together in harmony—in more ways than one.
Please enjoy the playlist below—Songs That Bring Us JOY.
Click on the video above to view a collection of songs that are meaningful to our community partners.
