Emily Cunningham, a junior at FSU’s College of Social Work, has volunteered with several organizations, but she recently had the opportunity to take on a leadership role when a friend asked if she would like to coordinate a volunteer project to raise awareness of homelessness in Tallahassee. In their project, titled “Conversation Pieces: Socially Engaged Art,” they conducted a series of art sessions for the children and adult residents of a local transitional housing community called HOPE.

Their goals included introducing fun activities, teaching art techniques and expression through art, and building a sense of community and a sense of empowerment for the participants. With help from the Art Therapy Association from FSU, they collaborated to create a different art project for each session. The artwork was then showcased at a special event on the FSU campus.

Stephanie Beckingham, director of the HOPE community, helped attendees better understand homelessness by discussing the common aspects of humanity that connects everyone. The project was intended to motivate observers to think about homelessness in their daily lives and to take action to support the homeless community. This entire project was made possible through a grant from StudentServ and through collaboration among several organizations and individuals. Emily and her friend hope to make the project an annual event.

Emily is originally from New Jersey and graduated from high school in Tampa, Florida. With an interest in creative play therapy, she plans to pursue an MSW after completing her undergraduate degree.