Devereux New York spreads joy and hope through rainbow initiative

Children, adolescents and adults at Devereux New York are bringing bright colors - and smiles - to the Red Hook, N.Y., community, and across the Hudson Valley, to lift spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each week, Devereux team members, and the individuals served by the organization, create rainbow artwork to be displayed in windows on campus and in community group homes.

Children, adolescents and adults at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York are bringing bright colors – and smiles – to the Red Hook, N.Y., community, and across the Hudson Valley, to lift spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, Devereux New York’s Servant Leadership team, which helps drive and sustain Servant Leadership efforts across the center, launched the “Rainbow Initiative” – part of an international movement – to show families, caregivers, colleagues and supporters, “We are all in this together.”

Each week, Devereux team members, and the individuals served by the organization, create rainbow artwork that is then displayed on campus, and in community group homes.

“Rainbows are a symbol of hope, and in these uncertain times, we want to spread as much optimism and positivity as we can,” said Devereux New York Executive Director John Lopez. “The individuals we serve, as well as our staff, are having fun creating beautiful and inspiring artwork. This project also provides an opportunity for those in our care to learn new skills and discover different methods of expressing themselves through art.”

‘I spy’ a rainbow

Devereux New York’s Rainbow Initiative encourages youth and adults served by the organization to view their own artwork on display, along with pieces created by their peers. Every week, staff take individuals in their care on a rainbow scavenger hunt to see how many rainbows they can spot – while keeping social distancing in mind.

“Our youth and adults love seeing the colorful displays, and we love seeing their faces light up,” explained New York Quality Management Specialist and Servant Leadership Champion Marcella Stabile. “This initiative helps our colleagues, and those in our care, feel connected during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and reminds everyone that although we are physically apart, we are together in spirit, and will always be ‘Devereux Strong.’”

Learn more about Devereux New York. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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