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Lansing youths in foster care, vocational programs unveil inspirational artwork in MDHHS lobby

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – Colorful mosaics with Project Hope Youth standing by his mosaic artworkuplifting images including multi-colored hands with hearts on them, birds, flowers and butterflies will now greet visitors to the Ingham County office of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Youth aging out of foster care and others who are at risk or have disabilities created 20 mosaics that were unveiled this morning through a partnership of MDHHS and Peckham Youth Services. It’s called Project Helping Other People Endure (HOPE).

“Project HOPE allowed us to use our voice, be creative and build communications skills,” said participant Stephanie Otis, 23, of Lansing, president of the Ingham County Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative for young people aging out of foster care. “It was wonderful to be a part of an experience that brings us so much and allows us the opportunity to give back. I hope the customers, guests and employees enjoy the artwork. And I hope it does give encouragement and inspiration to those who need it.”

Otis’s group worked for three months alongside youth from Peckham Youth Services. Peckham serves nearly 300 youths each year in a variety of programs with the mission of enhancing opportunities to improve life circumstances through work. Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative is a partnership with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative to improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

“No matter what our artistic ability, we were able to create something for other people,” said Dustin Whitford, 17, of Mason, a participant in Peckham’s Crossroads Youth Services for at-risk youth and the creator of the mosaic featuring loving hands. “Crossroads has given me the chance to better myself, and for that, I am grateful.”

Peckham, Inc. CEO and President Mitch Tomlinson was among the attendees of today’s ceremony, along with MDHHS Ingham County Director Su A’lyn Holbrook. MDHHS Director Nick Lyon met with the youth on Monday to see their mosaics and share conversation and pizza.

“I am so thankful that these young people were willing to contribute their artistic talents to make the Ingham MDHHS lobby warm and welcoming,” Lyon said. “I also greatly appreciate Peckham's spirit of partnership on Project HOPE.”

The MDHHS Ingham County Office is at 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing.

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Pictured above is Dustin Whitford, 17, of Mason, with his mosaic.