Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Whelpley
Updated: May 7, 2022
Pat Whelpley is the featured Volunteer Spotlight for March 2021! She joined the team in 2019, and we are grateful to serve with her. Pat brings a heart for the underprivileged and a passion for the arts and the underprivileged.
Pat taught blind and visually impaired children and always enjoyed modifying art and creating tactical books for her students. However, she never thought of it as art. Over the past ten years, Pat enrolled in various classes but never considered herself an artist. Four years ago, that changed. Through teaching weekly art lessons with a friend with Alzheimer’s disease, Whelpley experienced the healing power of art. As her friend’s memory diminished, her love of painting stayed and made her so happy.
Two years ago, Pat was able to get in on the creation of Ziggy’s Art Bus. Their mission is to create memorable art activities for children who are sick or dying. She witnessed the absorption and transformation art provided for kids at the Ronald McDonald House. One 12 years old said it let her forget about needles and treatments while on the bus.
“A year ago, I met Bill Barnett and got involved doing Saturday art with kids at the Youth Haven shelter in Naples. We started with alcohol ink tiles and went on from there. The kids there have challenging lives but greatly enjoy the art. I cannot wait to get back. I feel blessed to be part of this ministry and witness the arts healing power. Anyone can do it!”
HOPE AND HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS
Storytellers Creative Arts (SCA) is a Christian faith-based non-profit serving Southwest Florida with a singular focus: Healing and transforming lives through the arts. It does so by creating healing and nurturing arts outreach programs to touch the underprivileged. Programs include visual and performing arts, storytelling and music. SCA partners with Youth Haven, David Lawrence Center Crossroads Adult Recovery, New Horizons After-School Clubs of SWFL, Amigos Family Center in Immokalee, and other organizations.
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