Nurturing Resilience in Children Through Creative Healing
Healing Connections
Healing Connections is a FREE creative arts program that helps children explore and express their feelings after experiencing the loss of a loved one. In our monthly sessions, children connect with peers who understand what they’re going through and engage in guided art activities that provide a safe, meaningful outlet for emotions that can be hard to put into words. By sharing their stories and creating alongside others, participants find comfort, community, and a sense of hope in their healing journey.
Is this your child's first time attending Healing Connections?
If you’re new to the program, please complete our registration form to receive details about upcoming sessions and get connected with our team.
Program Details:
If your child is navigating the loss of a loved one, we invite them to join us at Healing Connections. Our program is FREE and open to children of all ages and backgrounds, and no previous art experience is necessary.
Our next Healing Connections session will take place on September 24, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
Sessions take place at:
Access Community Center
701 Booth St. | Chester, PA 19013
If you are new to our Healing Connections program, please fill out our interest form to get more information.
Art has a unique ability to transcend words and speak directly to our emotions. For children who may struggle to articulate their grief, art provides a powerful tool for self-expression and healing. Children can channel their emotions into their creations through painting, drawing, collage, or sculpture, finding solace and catharsis in the creative process. Plus, the art projects created during our sessions will be displayed for the public to see, allowing children to share their stories and insights with the community.
Our Founding Instructor
As a Trippley Foundation board member and executive director of Halloran Philanthropies, Brian Fernandes-Halloran has experience working worldwide to support community development, arts initiatives, and social benefit projects. Brian holds an MFA from Bard College.
Having experienced the loss of a loved one during his adolescence, Brian shares a deep empathy with children grappling with grief. His personal connection to our foundation's namesake, Will Trippley, further fuels his commitment to supporting children in their healing journey. Brian finds fulfillment in leveraging his passion for art as a means to connect with and assist children navigating through grief.
Healing in Their Words and Through Their Art
Watch how Healing Connections creates a space for children to express their emotions, connect with peers, and find comfort through creativity. From local news coverage to reflections from our Camp Encouragement participants, these videos share the powerful impact of healing together.
