Employment Source, a local affiliate of ServiceSource, is preparing to host its first-ever “Art Therapy for Community Inclusion Day” on Nov. 14, thanks in part to a generous $7,200 grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to showcase the impact of art therapy on individuals with disabilities by offering them a platform to display their creative works and engage with the broader community.
Tara Brisson Hinton, Director of Regional Philanthropy, Employment Source, explained that this is the second year the Arts Council has supported its program through its Project Support and Mini-Grants initiative.
“The Cumberland Community Foundation was the first to provide funding for our Community Inclusion Day Program for adults with disabilities here at Employment Source and Friendship House Fayetteville Residents. This opportunity is now funded again by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for the second year in a row,” Hinton shared.
According to Hinton, the funds are being used to hire Yael Divon, a certified art therapist who provides weekly art therapy projects for over 30 individuals.
“The grant helps us cover not only the therapist’s services but also the materials for the projects, which have been vital to our Bloom program,” Hinton said.
The Bloom program allows artisans with disabilities to create handcrafted items, including greeting cards, shirts, candles, soap, and jewelry. These items are available for purchase at Employment Source, local farmers markets, and community festivals, with the proceeds going directly to the artisans.
Art Therapy as a Bridge to Inclusion
Employment Source’s art therapy program promotes inclusion by giving individuals with disabilities a creative outlet to express themselves and interact with their community. Hinton emphasized the importance of this approach, noting that art therapy provides more than just an opportunity for creative expression.
“Art therapy allows participants to practice motor skills, eye-hand coordination, spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and self-expression,” Hinton explained. The impact of these sessions will be on full display during the upcoming “Thankful for Art” showcase on Nov. 14, where the public is invited to view the artwork and engage in conversations with the artists.
“This is the first time we are hosting this event, and we’re excited for the community to see the incredible work our participants have created,” she said.
Hinton also noted that the participants have embraced opportunities to engage with the public at summer markets and festivals, where they sell their Bloom products.
“These events have provided our participants with a chance to meet community members, share their experiences, and have conversations about the art and the Bloom items they’ve made,” she said.
Partnerships That Drive Success
The success of Employment Source’s programs would not be possible without strong community partnerships. Hinton emphasized her gratitude for the support from organizations such as the Cumberland Community Foundation, United Way of Cumberland County, and the City of Fayetteville.
“We’ve built strong partnerships with local organizations, churches like Snyder Baptist and Lebanon Baptist, and other groups like the YMCA and Cape Fear Botanical Garden,” she said. These collaborations provide additional resources, volunteers, and opportunities for Employment Source to expand its reach and impact.
One of the most valued partnerships, Hinton mentioned, is with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
“Their continued support has been instrumental in allowing us to grow our art therapy offerings and increase the visibility of our participants’ talents,” she said.
Transforming Lives Through Art
Art therapy has become a highlight for the individuals at Employment Source, many of whom look forward to Wednesdays when Devon leads the weekly sessions. “Wednesday is our art therapy day, and it’s the most popular day of the week,” Hinton said with a smile. “When Yael walks in, everyone cheers. It’s become something they all look forward to.”
Hinton shared a success story about one of the participants, who has both intellectual and developmental disabilities and is non-verbal.
“Through art therapy, this individual found a way to express themselves that didn’t require words,” Hinton explained. “Every week, they present their work to the class, and their joy and pride are contagious. These moments remind us why this program is so important.”
For Hinton, the value of art therapy goes beyond creativity. It offers a way for individuals with disabilities to build confidence and develop skills to assist them in other areas of life, including employment. “Art therapy is a fun way to get into the minds and hearts of these incredible individuals, and it plays a significant role in their personal growth,” she said.
Looking to the Future
Hinton is optimistic about the future of Employment Source’s creative therapy programs. Beyond art therapy, the organization offers other forms of expressive therapy, including dance classes at the YMCA, horticulture programs at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and pet therapy through the Love on a Leash program.
“We are always looking for new ways to expand our offerings and provide more opportunities for our participants to grow and engage with the community,” Hinton said.
One growth area is the organization’s technology lab, funded by a grant from the Longleaf Fund. The lab offers developmental programs aimed at improving communication and promoting independence.
“We’re planning to upgrade our technology to keep up with the rapid changes in the digital world,” Hinton noted. “This will allow our participants to build skills crucial in today’s workforce.”
Additionally, Hinton sees the Bloom product line expanding to more locations and events throughout the community.
“We’re excited about the future of Bloom and how we can continue to showcase the talents of our participants in new and meaningful ways,” she said.
As Employment Source grows its programs, Hinton remains deeply grateful for the volunteers and partners who have contributed to the organization’s success.
“We’re so fortunate to have people like Brucie Tria, who drives from Raleigh every Friday to teach financial literacy and other activities,” she said. “Our volunteers are vital to what we do, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
For more information about the upcoming “Art Therapy for Community Inclusion Day” or to RSVP, email CommunityNC@employmentsource.org. You can also contact Tara Brisson Hinton at tara.hinton@employmentsource.org or 910-850-8068.

(Photo: Participants in art therapy provided by Employment Service make tie dye t shirts. Employment Service recently received a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to hire Yael Divon, a certified art therapist who provides weekly art therapy projects for 30 individuals in the program. Photo courtesy of Tara Hinton, Director of Regional Philanthropy, Employment Source)