Officers Bring Hope to the Community Through Student-Led Art Project
When officers Megan Finnie and Jillian Missen had an idea to create an art project focusing on mental health, they wanted students to be the mastermind behind the art, so in collaboration with students from St. Thomas Aquinas and Brampton Multicultural Centre’s Newcomer Settlement Program, the two Community Mobilization officers launched City Expressions.
“In knowing that mental health is a powerful discussion, especially for teenagers who just endured two years of a pandemic, we wanted to bring the community together,” said Missen. “We recognize that we are all part of this community, and must work together to support each other collectively.”
Students who participated in the project to create a mural in one of our facilities, were asked to create a visual representation of what hope and mental health meant to them. The artwork serves as a reminder to Peel Regional Police employees that the work they do is essential, and that the mental wellness of the community is important.
Over several sessions that took place to coordinate the mural, a relationship was fostered, which allowed candid discussions related to the mental health of youth, police and the community.
“We always strive to teach the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community," said Finnie. "This art project taught the students the value of giving back, and earned each of the 12 student volunteers 20 hours towards their required amounts for graduation".
Creating this masterpiece of a project could not have happened without the coordination and involvement of artist, Jan Fundano, who is not only an employee with Peel Regional Police, but also a mentor for the students.
“Working with Peel Regional Police was very powerful to say the least. The positive influence and impact PRP staff have on the youth and external staff they work with is immense,” said a staff member from the Brampton Multicultural Centre. “The seamless teamwork and professionalism brought forth throughout each meeting ensured that all sessions ran smoothly.”
