Thrall Family: Supporting Art Therapy for Youth
The Thrall family has cherished the memories they have made in the Vail Valley for generations. Many family members learned to ski here and continued to visit for vacations throughout their lives. Others have made the mountains their home.
When the family learned of the opportunity to give back to the community by sponsoring the youth art room at Vail Health’s new Precourt Healing Center, they were eager to support it.
“Before 2019, Eagle County didn’t have the professional behavioral healthcare programs or personnel to care for people in crisis,” says Cynthia Thrall, a resident of Avon. “I feel so many people could have been cared for if we had the programs and medical professionals we have now.”
Chris, Cynthia’s husband, adds, “The level of care will be even more complete and compassionate when the Precourt Healing Center opens.”
As the only inpatient behavioral health center in a two-or-more hour radius, the Precourt Health Center will help fill a critical need when adolescents and adults experience a behavioral health crisis. The 50,000-square-foot facility centrally-located in Edwards will offer 28 beds for short-term stays and treatment and an array of behavioral health services that prioritize crisis resolution, safety, and stabilization.
The Thrall Family Art Therapy Room for youth will be located on the second floor of the Precourt Healing Center. According to the American Art Therapy Association, “Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, and reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.” Through the creative process and art making, art therapy can be a valuable form of alternative treatment for various behavioral health issues.
Community Support Through Generational Giving
The Thrall Family Philanthropy Committee was founded on the idea that “by giving to others, we have better substance in who we are as people.” Through the generous spirit of Jerry and Lynn Thrall, philanthropy has become a central part of how the family contributes to the community and supports projects, organizations, and initiatives that they are passionate about and provide a meaningful impact in the communities in which they serve. Brooke Thrall, Chris’ sister, describes their parents’ emphasis on giving back and how this value has been passed down through generations.
“Through family giving, we have involved the third generation in following and supporting our philanthropy efforts. We hope to give back in a way that continues the legacy of giving that our parents taught us,” says Brooke.
For Joan Mazza, Brooke’s niece, raising awareness around behavioral health is an area she is passionate about as a social worker. “Eagle County is a playground for so many people — both to those who live here and who visit. Due to this, it’s sometimes easy to forget or even hard to understand that many people within this region are struggling,” she says. “I’m proud of Cynthia for noticing and advocating for supporting the aspects of this valley that often go unseen. I deeply value the work being done by Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health to address these issues.”
Source: https://vailhealthfoundation.org/story/thrall-family-supporting-art-therapy-for-youth/