Soup Bowls

On September 19, 2007, Active Balanced Community asked juveniles in the Monroe County corrections system to “give back to the community” by painting soup bowls that would later be auctioned off to raise money for the homeless during homelessness awareness week. The following are pictures of some of the bowls that came from our kids and their personal reaction to how giving back made them feel.

 

A sampling of the finished bowls.

 

The kids painted the bowls and then they were taken to a potter who fired the greenware.

 

“ I got involved in this special project at the Youth Center working with the United Way. I thought this experience was a wonderful idea … making the bowls was so much fun. I can’t think of one second during the activity when I wasn’t laughing or smiling...”

 

“This was my first time to even do ceramics. I was not sure at first what or how to design my bowl, but then decided to create a design using a really bright color green paint, I did not quit or even get frustrated. I just tried my best and ended up surprised because I ended up doing a real good job afterall. Working on this art activity was real relaxing.”

 

“I wish I could help out all of the time with more special projects because I had fun and it was for a good cause. I want to say thanks.”

 

“The thing that I enjoyed about this project was knowing that I did a small part to help out others less fortunate. Thank you for giving me and everyone else at the Youth Center a chance to help out.”

 

“ Working on pottery is something I would do again because it helped pass time in a positive way. I had a bad attitude at first, and I found how much the project helped me in the end. “

 

“Since it was my first day at the Youth Center, I was pretty nervous and painting the bowl helped make me relax and calm down. I liked the class. Enjoying school is unusual for me. I had a really good feeling knowing that I was contributing to help people. Any little bit that others can do to help others besides themselves is worthwhile. My bowl was very bright and cheery looking and I think it will help put a smile on some lucky person’s face.”

 

“This project helped to get my mind off a lot of stress that I’m dealing with. The most enjoyable aspect was getting to make something of your very own. We got to choose whatever design we wanted. Thank you for the chance to help the homeless.”

 

“Making the bowls hit a special little part in my heart knowing that I am giving back to the community in which I live in. I felt honored that I was given this opportunity to raise money for the people who need it most. The project was very relaxing, and it was really nice to be stress-free for a couple of hours.”

 

“The most enjoyable thing about the project was that I was given the chance to be creative, got to show my talent, and have fun while I was doing my part for such a good cause.”

 

“I thought the soup bowl project was boring at first, but I hope that I have the chance to do something like this again. I think that is was really nice to give us the opportunity to help the community.”

 

“What I liked best about this project was that I got to paint. What I found surprising was how good I could paint and the patience I have for something like this. I’m glad I’ve had this opportunity.”

 

“When I was in the Youth Center, I did something that I didn’t regret. I made a bowl for the homeless. While I was doing this project, things were going through my mind like “I get to help out someone in need.” I always wanted to help out someone else, and it made be feel better about myself.” This activity gave me a chance to do just that.”

 

“It was a fun activity. I got to be very helpful and have fun at the same time. I think we should do things like this again.”

 

 

Read about the 2008 Coffee Cup Project

 

Check out upcoming events

 

2007 "I Pledge" campaign

 

2006 "I Pledge" campaign

Sandie Pierce and April Corie - Development Co-Coordinators • 216 N. Monroe Street • Monroe, MI 48162 • Phone: 734 242-1331 x 13 •
Fax: 734-242-3378 • e-mail: info@activebalancedcommunity.org