Wichita State University’s Kids Training Team supports mental health providers throughout Kansas in their dealings with troubled children — and gives the children themselves a chance to shine in their award-winning calendar, “Expressions of Joy"
The Kids Training Team, a collaborative effort between WSU and three other agencies, has doubled in size since 1998. Team members travel to 29 mental health centers in Kansas to train people working with children with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED).
Its 2001 “Expressions of Joy” Kid’s Art Show provides a rare opportunity for these children to show their creativity and share their successes. The show also strives to “create a community outreach event that enhances the public view of mental health services.”
The show’s 2001-02 calendar has had success of a different kind — it was awarded the gold award in the National Calendar Awards Competition—Children’s Division. “We’re in great company,” says Susan Hendrich, state training coordinator for SRS, Title XIX at WSU. “Other winners include Road & Track magazine, Harry Potter, Girl Scouts of America and the Far Side.”
