Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center, recipient of the Kappa Delta Foundation’s KiDs Grant, recently unveiled its brand-new large-scale art mural by local artist Amanda Honore’ Donley at the Patrick County Satellite Site, in Stuart.
Kappa Delta alumna and Patrick County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Stephanie Vipperman, applied for the grant earlier this year on behalf of the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center and was selected as a recipient in May.
Each year, Kappa Delta Foundation awards up to $25,000 towards quality programming and prevention-oriented projects that have a direct, positive effect on families and children. This year, the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center received $2,500 for a peaceful seascape mural down the hallway of its Patrick County Satellite Site to create a nurturing environment that truly places children first with a welcoming, child-friendly space that encourages both disclosure and treatment.
“Through these grants and the commitment of alumnae like (Vipperman), we continue to build confidence and inspire action in our local communities,” said Emily Beene, programs coordinator for the foundation.
In addition to the foundation’s KiDs Grants, Kappa Delta is also a proud supporter of Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization founded by a Kappa Delta alumna, and has donated more than $26 million since 1981 to prevent child abuse in our country.
The Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center provides services to child victims of abuse and neglect to include forensic interviews, clinical services, victim and family advocacy, referrals, and closed-circuit television for victims testifying in court. Children walk down the newly painted hallway to either the forensic interview room or clinical services treatment room, where they must face the difficulties of their past and circumstances.
“The artwork provides a welcoming and sincere walkway for children to journey through to receive needed services and support,” Joyce Moran, executive officer of the center, said.
Donley, a third-generation artist, has lived in Patrick County for 15 years, and opened Rose Window Studio in 1984. Her focus is on decorative artwork, murals, and stained glass. She partnered with intern LeAnna Whitlow, who is currently studying to be a school art teacher, to complete the 770 sq. feet hallway, including both end and side walls.
Donley and Whitlow thought about the mural from a child’s eye view, with a sense of wonder and fun, when designing the project.
The seascape mural depicts a storybook illustration, with different views as the children walk down the hallway, including a tidepool, undersea life, dunes, and beach.
“We really did enjoy painting it knowing that it would be a bright spot made, especially for children,” Donley said.
The mural includes a scavenger hunt of several symbols, representative of Kappa Delta, including the nautilus shell, dagger, white rose, teddy bear, katydid, pearl, diamond, and emerald. Children are encouraged to find the items after their sessions as a way to decompress before returning to their caretaker and normal activities.
The Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center is located at 108 E. Blue Ridge Street, Stuart.
