Published September 22. 2022 11:44AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
KidsPeace, Orefield, offered a “Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts” program at the Allentown Rose Garden’s pavilion Aug. 13.
The program was designed to provide a creative outlet for children who have experienced sexual abuse.
According to KidsPeace Clinical Program Manager Terry Sears, in-home counseling is provided to families through the S.I.T.E (Sexual Issues Treatment and Education) program.
Children who have suffered from sexual abuse can benefit from the counseling provided by the professional counselors from KidsPeace.
As it is offered in the child’s home, the counseling is less emotionally traumatic to the child than in an office or institution.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND KidsPeace S.I.T.E. Program Volunteer Laura Jones was the face-painter at the KidsPeace Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts at the Allentown Rose Garden. Jaime was delighted with her results.
Kristen DePalma, KidsPeace S.I.T.E. counselor, arranges prizes for children at the KidsPeace Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts event Aug. 13 at the Allentown Rose Garden. Each child was given three raffle tickets for completing three events. The donations came from the Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem as well as a $250 donation for food.
Volunteer Keane Carrington, Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem, works on his “Dragons” at the KidsPeace Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts program.
Volunteer Valencia Patrick, Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem, was creating “Planets” at the KidsPeace Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts Aug. 13 at the Allentown Rose Garden.
KidsPeace S.I.T.E. counselors (front) Jessica Young, Kristen DePalma, Kristie Gonsauls, (standing) Claudia Salazar, Jane Benjamin, Laura Jones, Terry Sears and Stacy Basara attended the Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts program.
Jackson, Aurora and Ada work on hand painting under the guidance of Kristie Gonsauls, S.I.T.E. counselor, at the KidsPeace Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts Aug. 13 at the Allentown Rose Garden.
