‘A weaving of lives’: Finding therapy in art class

By Anna Wdowczyk Strolling under a cluttered ceiling of colourful hangings, Ixchel Suárez waits for her students before Wednesday night painting class at the Oakville Arts Studio.  She pauses once she reaches the music player and hits “Play.” Dramatic echoes of classical symphonies cascade across the room. But something isn’t right—Suárez immediately notices a lifeless…

Transforming Basketball Programming, One Lay-Up at a Time

By Christina Flores-Chan Headshot of Lay-Up’s Program Director, Chris Penrose, for the website’s team section (Lay-Up) There’s something about the energy in the first few minutes of every Lay-Up session that never fails to raise goosebumps on program director Chris Penrose’s arms. Maybe it’s the constant boom boom boom of check-emblazoned basketballs bouncing off the…