CoveCare Center’s InspiRED Events Produce Masterpieces
Jillian Kulka and Barbara Naccari-Mueller, the Prevention Educators at CoveCare Center, work within the schools to educate the youth of Putnam County on how to make better choices while informing them of the negative effects drugs have on their lives. For the second year in a row, Jillian and Barbara hosted InspiRED events throughout Red Ribbon Week for parents, caregivers, and teens to enjoy together and create amazing art.
Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign in honor of Enrique Camarena, a DEA agent who died in the line of duty protecting the United States from illicit drugs. Upon his death, Enrique’s, family, and friends wore red ribbons in remembrance of his heroic acts. In 1988, the National Family Partnership began Red Ribbon Week, broadening their message and bringing awareness, advocacy, and resources about drug and alcohol prevention to our youth nationwide. This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme was “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.”
With the help of two artists: Sarah Miller Totten and Candace Winter, forty-four participants put their creative skills to work. The InspiRED events took place over three days with the Garrison Art Center, Arts on the Lake, Putnam Arts Council, and Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition each hosting. “The paint night was a great experience with my teen. We laughed and had a great time learning together,” said Paula, a parent who attended the Cultural Arts Coalition event. “It definitely gave us an opportunity to share something special and build our relationship.”
With parents as the number one defense when it comes to the safety and the wellbeing of their children, the events encouraged the strengthening of family bonds while having fun and being creative. “InspiRED gave my daughter and I an opportunity to share in a night of fun,” shared Barbara Naccari-Mueller. “We laughed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It’s been a few weeks since the event and both my daughter and I pass our paintings frequently, make a comment and share a smile.”