Common Threads by Meg Saligman
MuralsWithMeaning
MuralsWithMeaning is dedicated to introducing murals as a tool for positive change. The murals in Philadelphia are designed to inspire, educate, and bring communities together. Not only do they transform spaces, but they raise awareness and advocate for social causes. This site is dedicated to identifying the available social services, agencies, and support systems that the murals address and finding ways I can further advocate and offer additional support.
Join us in our mission to understand the meaningful murals that make a difference in the lives of people.
Finding Home mural
by: Kathryn Pennepacer & Josh Sarantitis
Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden declared, "Let it be a world filled with equality, hope, and home." This artwork, created by Mural Arts in 2011, was a collaboration with Project H.O.M.E. and the City of Philadelphia Department of Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. Its aim was to raise awareness about homelessness in Philadelphia and beyond. The design featured strips of cloth inscribed with people's thoughts on what it means to have a home and feel welcome.
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Advocating for housing affordability and tackling homlessness is a cause I feel strongly about. Below is a link to Project Home and the supportive services it provides including housing, employment and health services, as well as ways you can volunteer.
Bethesda Project is another nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter and supportive services across 12 locations in Philadelphia.
I raised funds to purchase book bags, toiletry items, hats, gloves, socks, rain ponchos, and other miscellaneous items to donate to Project Home Support Center for distribution to homeless individuals.
Finding the Light Within
by James Burns
"Finding the Light Within" is one of many astonishing murals throughout the city by Porch Light, a unique partnership between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the City's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities. Located on University of Pennsylvania's campus tucked down a side street, likely passed by many who have no real understanding of its meaning. The mural by artist James Burns engaged with the local community to envision a way to tell the story of suicide prevention and loss. The mural illustrates a boy on the ledge of rough water barely holding on and another holding a lifesaving buoy. The boys are then surrounded by a connected quilt representing the faces of loved ones lost to suicide or affected survivors.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The rising rates of suicide nationally have put the mental health and suicide prevention back in the forefront and increased federal and state funding to provide more preventative resources. If you or anyone you know is experiencing an urgent crisis, there are numerous support centers you can reach out to.
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The Suicide Protection Task Force offers weekly support group meetings, as well as crisis assistance and additional resources.
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Healthy Minds of Philly provides access to a 24/7 Lifeline network
Mental Health & Addiction
There may be no better way to communicate what we do or how we feel than through images. As you browse these murals, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here, and see if you can feel ....
Reaching Out mural was created for Kensignton, a Philadelphia location in great need of drug and alcohol community outreach. The mural represents a promise of hope and meant to convey a message about the community support that is available and the help you can receive if you reach out.
Mental Health Services
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