Opening Minds Through Art (OMA)
Opening Minds through Art (OMA)
What Is OMA?
Opening Minds through Art is an award-winning intergenerational art program for people with dementia, developed by Dr. Like Lokon at Scripps Miami University. OMA operates with the goal of utilizing the skills an individual has instead of focusing on the skills that are impaired.
In each OMA session, an elder with dementia is partnered with a trained younger intern or volunteer who supports the elder through a structured art making process. Relationships form as art is created, offering a rewarding and enriching experience for both artist and volunteer. Our staff and volunteers are there every step of the way, and no art skills or prior experience are required!
Syracuse Jewish Family Service has been certified and licensed to provide OMA since 2018.
How Can OMA Help?
Through a step-by-step process, OMA art projects set the artists up for success in creating something interesting and beautiful, and unique to them, capitalizing on their current abilities. Artists are empowered to make choices and use their imagination throughout the process, helping them enjoy a sense of autonomy and safety that is precious in later life. OMA also offers the opportunity for artists and volunteers to build relationships across the generations.
Why Is OMA Important?
OMA affirms the personhood and dignity of elders with and without dementia and offers a relational context for self-expression and mattering. We like to say that OMA disrupts both internalized and societal ageism, opening up a positive vision of intergenerational enjoyment and meaning-making.
How Can I Do OMA?
OMA At Menorah Park: SJFS provides OMA sessions to residents at Menorah Park.
OMA at Your Site: SJFS is available to bring the OMA program to skilled nursing facilities, regional senior housing, social centers, and other community sites.
OMA-thon: An “OMA-Thon” can be an inspiring and community-building special (stand-alone) or occasional (series) event at your site.
OMA-of-the-Month Club: Subscribe to this monthly in-home version of OMA and you’ll receive monthly packets containing OMA project materials and instructions. In order to implement the OMA projects at home, caregivers must first complete Arts & Minds Volunteer Corps training sessions. An optional monthly group Zoom brings in an even greater social component and the support of a professional facilitator.
Join the Arts & Minds Volunteer Corps: Participate in 4 hours of free, virtual training and join us to support elders in this award-winning intergenerational art-making program for people with dementia. In each OMA session you will partner an elder with dementia through a step-by-step process to produce a work of art that surprises and delights.
OMA Volunteer Opportunities
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- Attend OMA sessions at Menorah Park
- Attend OMA sessions at other community sites
- Attend a one-off “OMA-Thon” event at Menorah Park (next date: Spring 2025 TBD) or one hosted at your site
- OMA-of-the-Month Club: Trained caregivers can support their elder artist at home with a monthly packet containing project materials and instructions.
- Groups and facilities: Let us train your staff/ volunteers and help you do OMA at your site
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Upcoming Virtual OMA Trainings
Tuesday December 10, 5-7pm, Part 1
Thursday December 12, 5-7pm, Part 2
Tuesday January 14, 5-7pm, Part 1
Thursday January 16, 5-7pm, Part 2
Tuesday February 11, 5-7pm, Part 1
Thursday February 13, 5-7pm, Part 2
Tuesday March 11, 5-7pm, Part 1
Thursday March 13, 5-7pm, Part 2
You must attend both Part 1 and Part 2 training sessions before participating in volunteer activities. If you cannot attend both training sessions in the same month, you may attend Part 2 in a subsequent month after Part 1 is completed.
Get Started
For more information on how to bring OMA to your site or home, or to register for OMA volunteer training, contact SJFS’s Arts & Minds Coordinator Hannah Pietra, at 315-446-9111 ext. 130, or email her at pietrah@sjfs.org
