February 28, 2023

Art Therapy Alum’s “Puzzle Project” Helps a Community Heal

The puzzle has added a new element to LCS Northwest’s behavioral health and medical case management services, which were crucial during the pandemic but had to adapt.

Alison Newey, MA Art Therapy ’22

In June 2022, Lutheran Community Services Northwest featured Alison Newey, a 2022 graduate of the art therapy program, in Puzzle art reconnects Portland communities fragmented by COVID. Newey began the puzzle project as a student intern at Lutheran community Services Northwest’s Beaverton location after being “assigned the daunting task of community outreach during a pandemic.” The project culminated as the capstone for her Master’s in Art Therapy degree when she graduated this spring. But, says Lutheran Community Services, it really hasn’t ended. Newey is now on staff in Beaverton as a Child and Family Art Therapist where her art tables will remain a fixture at vaccine and community resource events.

“Alison’s project has shown that the act of love comes in different shapes,” said Dalia Baadarani, Associate Clinical Director in the Portland area. “The intentional inclusivity of the puzzle project has unified diverse cultures and created pathways to community healing.”

The full article is available on Lutheran Community Services Northwest’s website.