Center of Hope holds 'Art of Respect' event in Centerville

The ARC of St. Mary Center of Hope hosted its third annual Art of Respect on Monday.
The event was sponsored by the South Louisiana Human Services Authority, which is responsible for overseeing and carrying out treatment, care and training for individuals with addictive, mental and emotional disorders.
The primary purpose of Art of Respect is to encourage the community to speak more positively toward individuals living with disabilities and to end the stigma surrounding individuals’ differences.
Individuals who participate in the ARC of St. Mary Center of Hope’s Vocational Program as well as Brittany’s project created painting, drawing and other artwork based on expression acceptance, inclusion, friendship and respect.
The event’s theme this year was “Disable the Label,” which is dedicated to help promote stopping use of the “R word” and the negative implication it evokes in the St. Mary communities.