K.A.R.I.N.A.

Terence Mc Kenna -- Art 

In this soaring demonstration, deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie illustrates how listening to music involves much more than simply letting sound waves hit your eardrums.

Costs and the needs

We would like to keep the costs as lower as possible. We take donations and fund-raise in order to help and support the families. Our goal is to invite volunteers in a network of sponsoring religious organizations, businesses, and specialists . This way we will be able to give services for free every weekend of each month. We are planning to start this program at: The Episcopalian Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore City, Valley Baptist Church in Lutherville, MD, and churches in Nantucket, MA.

You do not need to attend any church. Everyone is welcome!

If you would like to get involved, call Biliana Borimetchkova at 443-928-0542, or email: biliana@karinaassociation.org .

Respite with Activities

K.A.R.I.N.A. is aiming to provide families with disabled children and young adults with social inclusion opportunities to year-round recreational activities, respite care, and family outing. The organization was created to meet an unmet need in the community.

In Baltimore, Maryland (U.S.A.) and Ruse, Bulgaria we have involved volunteers from churches to participate in our program. We use some of the churches' facilities to provide our services and identify the needs of the particular community.

More than one-fifth of U.S. households with children have at least one child with special needs. The estimate of people 18 and under with a disability  is 14,000 - 15,000 (in Baltimore County) and about other 15, 000 in Baltimore City. Of that number about 3,500 to 4 500 are low-income (this according to census figures for Baltimore County (that shows that 25% of the population in Baltimore County and 30% in Baltimore City meets federal guidelines for being low-income families).

This figure probably does not include things like ADHD or perhaps learning disabilities.  A survey found that families are struggling with the demands of caring for a special needs child, 12 percent of families requiring mental healthcare or counseling related to the child's medical, behavioral or other health conditions.  

 Come and find Rest, Encouragement, Support, Tenderness, and Love at

The Church of the Redeemer

5603 North Charles Street / Corner of Charles St. & Melrose Ave. / Baltimore, MD 21210

 http://www.redeemeronline.com/ 

We start our program with Art Relief for children, teens, young adults, and their families  Saturdays @ 1pm -- 3:30pm

Suggested donation $10

RSVP is a MUST

Karina allows free time for parents while their children, teens or young adults enjoy different activities. As the children with special needs work with group of therapists (described at Karina Café page ) to get the most out of their special abilities, siblings can connect in other activities. 

Our group activities are based on a therapy called Expressive Arts Therapy (It is the use of the creative arts as a form of therapy). Unlike traditional art expression, the process of creation is emphasized rather than the final product. Expressive therapy is predicated on the assumption that people can heal through use of imagination and the various forms of creative expression.

The Concept of the Therapy  

Expressive Arts Therapy is based on our ability to access and stimulate the imagination, by shifting from one art form to another. An Expressive Arts Therapist is trained to recognize what is the best modality for each person and each moment, to reach therapeutic goals. This concept of "intermodal transfer" (a term give to us by Paolo Knill, 1978) distinguishes Expressive Arts Therapy from neighboring disciplines such as Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Psychodrama... 

Areas of expertise

• Complex learners
• Sensory processing
• Self-regulation
• Anxiety
• Mood
• Selective Mutism
• Attention issues
• Hyperactivity
• Developmental delays 
• Expressive language disorder
• Social skills
• Self-esteem issues
• Behavioral management
• Anger and rage management
• Complex and chronic trauma
• Domestic violence
• Loss/grief
• Self esteem issues
• Adoption, foster parenting
• Multicultural and immigration issues
• Autism spectrum and Asperger syndrome
• Family stressors

Training and Workshops

These workshops are for parents, mental health professionals, teachers, after-school staff, community organizations and caregivers. They are provided by our partners from ART RELIEF. They combine psychoeducation, theory, skill-building activities, resources, case presentations and consultation as needed. All workshops can be adapted to a group's specific needs.
Examples of training subjects ordered are:

• Helping Children Cope with Significant Loss
• Teaching children who struggle with focus and anxiety
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  
• Children and Trauma
  
• Adults and Trauma
  
• Inclusion, Advocacy, and Social Change through the Use of Expressive Arts Therapy
• Toddlers and Preschoolers: How to Choose and Facilitate Activities for Success
  
• Keeping Children Engaged During After School Hours: School Age, Teenagers
  
• Siblings of Children with Disabilities, Chronic Mental Illness, and Severe Medical Problems
  
• Developmental Stages: What Teachers and Parents can Expect
  
• Separating Without Tears: Managing Separation Anxiety
  
• My Child is Struggling at School: A Workshop for Parents
• Stress Management Workshop