Article and Photos by Tom Ganser
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In May, five young teenagers and five senior citizens put their artistic and horticultural skills to the test in a fun and intergenerational experience sponsored by the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence (APFV).
The four-session workshop was supported by a 2018 grant from the Whitewater Community Foundation to promote collaboration between APFV and Studio 84, Whitewater Middle School students, and residents of Fairhaven Senior Services.
The first four-session workshop focused on providing a greater understanding of individual strengths and sought to gain insight on the different challenges each generation faces. The workshop included seniors and youth working together on a fun personality assessment and a combination art and garden project.
Throughout the sessions, the youth had an opportunity to share some technology experiences as seniors shared some of the wisdom they have gained throughout life.
Working side by side in Studio 84, the five teens and five senior citizens planned how to decorate flower pots, painted the pots, transplanted flowers and other plants into the pots, and distributed them to Fairhaven Senior Services residents.
APFV began in 1978 as a task force looking at the community problem of domestic violence, enhancing its mission over the years and expanding its services. In 2018 APFV changed its name to New Beginnings APFV and opened a second New Beginnings office in downtown Whitewater in order to better serve the needs of the northern portions of Walworth County as well as begin to serve residents of southern Jefferson County. The original office is located in Elkhorn.
New Beginnings APFV is an advocacy center that collaborates with individuals who are seeking to reclaim ownership of their lives. New Beginning advocates are dedicated to walking the journey with individuals who are navigating a challenging time in their lives that often involves emotional trauma as well as complex court and legal systems.
New Beginnings APFV provides comprehensive, compassionate support and services to people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking. This includes crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning, individual counseling, housing advocacy, children’s services, medical advocacy and information and referral to other relevant community resources.
To learn more about APFV, visit newbeginningswalworth.com.
