ROSEBURG, Oregon – The first week back to school can be stressful. Between fixing sleep schedules, and finding the right classrooms, students are slowly easing themselves out of their winter break hibernation. To make this transition easier, Veronica Joyce, Victim Services Coordinator with the Battered Persons’ Advocacy, set up a table in Umpqua Community Colleges (UCC) Laverne Murphy Student Center called I am Strong Because…

‘I am Strong Because…’ is a way for students to focus on their strengths,” Joyce said. “We like to do tabled events for art therapy. It is a way for people to deal with grief, trauma, and stress.

In the Student Center, hung pictures that staff, and students drew, stating why they are strong. Next to those art pieces was a picture of a ‘ginger-person’ with puzzle pieces students could fill in. This ginger-person’s puzzle pieces represented why UCC was strong.

Joyce holds small groups in the UCC Cafeteria Bistro to help people focus on positivity, with others. These group meetings are a way to throw away negative emotions, and is open to UCC staff and students.

Janelle Joyner is a Victim Liaison who assisted Joyce on this project.

It helps us get to know the student body as well as the staff, and it gives them resources they may need,” Joyner said. The workshops help students meet others they go to school with, in a safe environment. Projects like these can help bring the college together, and allow healing through art.

If you or a friend are interested in the Community Healing Resilience Group, they will meet again on Jan. 16 and 31, from noon to 1 p.m., in the UCC Cafeteria Bistro.

Story and photos by Katelyn Barry, Student Writer

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Contact

Veronica Joyce
Victim Services Coordinator
Battered Persons’ Advocacy
Phone: 541-957-0288