CRP is proud to be connected to The Point CDC in Hunts Point, the Bronx. The Point is home to the legendary aerosol muralists, TATS Cru as well as numerous programs that are working to build a healthy neighborhood in the midst of an industrial food desert. The Visions of a Healthy Community shares so much of CRP’s philosophy it was necessary to highlight the program on our blog. Several youth participated in the program, discussing what healthy communities look like and drawing them into existence. We are excited to see such powerful new works from our comrades in New York!

In May-June 2012, five groups of junior high and high school-aged youth across the Bronx explored the topic of community health in the Bronx and create painted murals to express their “Visions of a Healthy Community.” This program was offered by Montefiore’s Healing Arts Program in collaboration with Groundswell and five local afterschool programs.

At the end of June, the five murals created were installed in the waiting areas of five of Montefiore’s health centers, enhancing the space for thousands of community members each year.

This video follows the creation of a mural at THE POINT Community Development Corporation in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the South Bronx. The youth participants were part of THE POINT’s M.I.S.T.E.R (Men In Society Today Examining Reality) young men’s empowerment group.

Four Montefiore Medical Group sites participated in this project: Comprehensive Health Care Center (CHCC), Family Health Center (FHC), West Farms Family Practice, and Williamsbridge Family Practice. The fifth site is the new Center for Child Health and Resiliency at the South Bronx Center for Children and Families.

The five afterschool program partners were: Lehman High School, Morrisania Revitalization Corporation, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, THE POINT Community Development Corporation, and Unity Neighborhood Center.

To see the murals visit http://www.montefiore.org/teens-healthy-message

To learn more about this project contact the Montefiore Healing Arts Program at healingarts@montefiore.org

Video produced and directed by John C. Williams
Copyright of murals – Groundswell 2012