Submitted by Unity Care NW
Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, understood, and hopeful. For many young children navigating big emotions like worry, fear, or the weight of difficult experiences, finding the words to express these feelings can feel impossible. That’s why Unity Care NW’s new Children’s Play and Art Therapy program is bringing a gentle, proven approach to healing to their youngest patients. Thanks to local supporters at Women Sharing Hope, the program recently launched right here in Whatcom County.
When a child picks up a crayon or loses themselves in imaginative play, something remarkable can happen. Art and play give children a natural, developmentally appropriate way to express what they can’t yet say out loud. This innovative effort engages young patients and their parents by using creativity to explore emotions, improve self-esteem, and develop coping skills. When verbalizing feelings is challenging, art, play, and visual expression help to bridge this gap to move towards healing.
As the American Counseling Association explains, play therapy is far more than “just” playing — it’s a structured, theoretically grounded practice that helps children express their feelings, assume responsibility for their behaviors and develop problem-solving skills. Unity Care NW’s Child & Family Counselors are thrilled to bring this program to Whatcom County families. “Children often lack the words to express their feelings, so they use drawing and play to communicate and connect,” says Ashley Carter, LMHC, Unity Care NW Child and Family Counselor Lead.
The program is offered through Unity Care NW’s health centers in Bellingham and Ferndale as well as at selected local schools. This year, the program is expected to reach 50-70 children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Children are selected by Child & Family Counselors based on who would most benefit from this approach to therapy. More than 95% of participating children receive care through Medicaid.
None of this could have happened without the generosity of Women Sharing Hope, an all-volunteer local non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting women and children in Whatcom County. “I am so grateful to Women Sharing Hope for making this program possible and for helping us bring healing through art and play to our community,” says Tessa Fulfer, LMHCA, Unity Care NW Child and Family Counselor. Through the partnership, they funded a full year’s worth of supplies and resources for the program.
“When WSH was contacted about supporting this new program, we recognized how it could assist children in their early development. Art and play therapy can improve communication, provide practice for cooperation and peer interaction skills plus foster self-awareness. Such therapy activities at an early age do contribute to future success. In sharing our community funding, we look for very specific needs with measurable outcomes.
This program inspired us with its organization, staff availability and goals. The new space is so appealing. UCNW accomplished a lot with a small budget. We are thrilled that such a large number of children will be benefitting immediately and with such tender care.”
– Linda Bergsma, charity research committee chair for Women Sharing Hope
About Unity Care NW
Unity Care NW provides affordable primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for children and adults. With a focus on prevention, their integrated care team coordinates every aspect of our patients’ health needs. At Unity Care NW, they believe in Health Care for Everyone. Their board-certified medical and behavioral health providers deliver high-quality, whole-person care with compassion and respect — supporting the health of individuals, families, and our community.
When people come together around the needs of children, real change happens. To support programs like this one or learn more about Unity Care NW’s work with children and families across Whatcom County, visit here or contact us at development@uncw.org.
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