For the Afghan survivors impacted by combat that Jewish Family & Childrens Services (JFCS) serves, art is a powerful tool for healing—helping express through creativity what cannot be said with words. Annie Kunz, program supervisor, explains, “The mental and physical tolls of combat are complex and are compounded by the difficulties of adjusting to a new country with entirely foreign systems. For this reason, many of our clients find that creative expression offers a bridge between their past and present lives.”
This sentiment echoes throughout JFCS’s Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat program, which serves approximately 250 Afghan refugees in Southern Arizona annually. The program, funded by a federal grant and operating in partnership with TMCOne, provides comprehensive support services including trauma counseling, wellness groups, and primary care.
The arts and crafts program has grown into a cornerstone of the program’s holistic approach to refugee support. Participants work with various mediums, from painting and drawing to pottery and jewelry, creating pieces that often reflect both their cultural heritage and their journey of adaptation.
“When our clients create art, we see a transformation,” Kunz notes. “The act of creation helps process trauma in ways that conversation alone cannot achieve. It’s particularly powerful for those who struggle with language barriers or find it difficult to verbalize their experiences.”
For the second straight year, these Afghan artists will be featured at JFCS’s Art & Culture Exhibit & Sale. The upcoming exhibit, scheduled for November 11 from 3 to 7 PM at JFCS’s main conference room at 4301 E 5th Street, will showcase this transformative power of art. Visitors can purchase arts and crafts (cash only), with proceeds supporting the artists directly. Light refreshments and traditional Afghan tea will be served.
For many participants, the exhibit represents more than just a display of their artwork. It is an opportunity to share their stories, culture, and resilience. This program demonstrates that healing comes in many forms. While traditional medical and mental health services remain crucial, the power of creative expression in trauma recovery cannot be understated. The arts and crafts being shared tell a powerful story of healing, connection, and finding hope in a new home.
