For the IRC in 2007 and 2008, Hilary developed an art therapy program for refugee youth. Keeping with the IRC’s mission of providing relief, respect and renewal to refugees and victims of armed conflict around the world, her job was to motivate and inspire these children and assist in helping them to smile, laugh and essentially, begin again. They acquired skills in drawing and painting to mentally better themselves through therapeutic healing and proved that resilience and sheer determination can overcome some of the most extreme forms of trauma.

Ages ranging from 5-19 and nationalities from Cuba to as far as Burundi and Burma created paintings that depict the transformation of life in their former countries to their new home of Arizona. After all they have witnessed during their lifetimes, they developed a visual feast of colors and pictorial expressions of their personal stories. Their spirits shine through in the brushstrokes they made.

Download Here:

Arizona refugee resettlement Brochure

Locations Worked:

1. 1.Arizona

International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post conflict development, resettlements services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

www.theirc.org