On Thursday, March, 5, Michelle Obama visited Miriam's Kitchen located on the edge of the George Washington University campus. Miriam’s Kitchen is a soup kitchen serving men and women experiencing homelessness. Mrs. Obama donned a Miriam's apron and joined in serving the special lunch meal. About 200 people a day visit Miriam's for a nutritious hot breakfast, social services, and an After-Breakfast Program staffed by case managers, volunteers and a student from The George Washington University's Art Therapy Department.
Miriam's After-Breakfast Program offers guests the opportunity to access additional social services, while also engaging in self-expression, advocacy, and community. Every Monday through Friday, guests attending Miriam's are invited to make art in the Art Therapy Group. Averaging about 25 guests per day, creative endeavors are envisioned and made real in a variety of visual art media.
The First Lady took special note of one painting. Completed on the day of the inauguration, President Barack Obama is depicted holding a Miriam's Kitchen mug, in front of a cherry blossom tree and the Washington Monument- perhaps symbolizing the connectedness the Miriam's artist felt to the ever-shifting scenery outside of our dining room.
Catherine Crum, Deputy Director of Miriam's Kitchen, presented this painting to the First Lady. Ms. Crum highlighted the guests and our services and the uniqueness we offer our community because of Miriam's partnership with George Washington's Art Therapy Department.
After lunch was served, Mrs. Obama met with Miriam's guests and gave some remarks. She offered significant and crucial points, both in word and deed, stating that we must work with one another towards the interests of maintaining and growing the health of our communities; and that we can do so simply by recognizing and affirming the value of each citizen- no matter his/her place in the community.
For more information about The First Lady’s visit to Miriam’s Kitchen and the services and programs offered, visit: www.miriamskitchen.org
Kate Baasch, GW Art Therapy Intern, Miriam's Kitchen
