A partnership of Quinnipiac University, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Church of the Holy Trinity
The Vocational Arts Program was designed by Quinnipiac University Doctoral Occupational Therapy students who partnered with St Vincent de Paul Middletown to support individuals who are experiencing homelessness and near homelessness by combining occupational therapy-based practices with vocational training. This program aims to improve participants’ mental health and overall quality of life, while fostering their participation in healthy social and leisure-based activities. Through engaging in creative activities such as painting and crafting, participants can express themselves in a supportive environment, which can improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. Additionally, the vocational aspect of this program aims to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness and near homelessness to acquire job-related skills, providing pathways to potential employment and fostering a sense of purpose and stability. Overall, the program seeks to empower participants, facilitating their transition out of homelessness. Many clients attend the Vocational Arts Program sessions regularly with the goal of remaining sober by replacing self-defeating occupations with self-supporting occupations.
