The Loving Hands Group

Healing arts for happy hearts

Holiday Activities

By

Each year we help our clients celebrate the seasons with the following events, designed to get everyone in a festive spirit!

Video All programs are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover (except Soap Making, April in Paris, Viva Mexico, A Healthier Thanksgiving, and Holidays Around the World)

Holidays are listed below in chronological order, January to December

Winter

  • Folk Art Snowperson Project – Bring a wooden snowperson to life with paint and decorative accessories. Makes a great decoration throughout the winter. Please provide staff assistance if there are more than 4 participants with hand-over-hand needs. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project – A torn paper art project to create a wintry wonderland. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

Valentine's Valentine’s Day: February 14

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

St. Patrick’s Day: March 17

  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

April in Paris

  • April in Paris – Great for April or any time of year. An interactive slideshow about all things French. We’ll learn about French food, music, architecture, art, fashion and even perfume. We’ll taste some yummy French foods while listening to traditional French Cabaret music. Vive la France! Food ingredients, plates and utensils are purchased by the client. We will provide a shopping list and help serve. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow.

 Easter: Date Varies

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Earth Day: April 22

  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)

Cinco de Mayo: May 5

  • Viva Mexico! – Great for Cinco de Mayo or any time of year. An interactive slideshow celebrating the people, culture and food of Mexico. Learn about the art, music, dance, customs, holidays, and festivities of Mexico while tasting some yummy Mexican food and listening to mariachi music. We will even learn how do the Mexican Hat Dance! (Can be either a 1 hour or 90 minute class, plus cost of ingredients) Food ingredients, plates and utensils are purchased by the client. We will provide a shopping list and help serve. Please also provide a computer, TV or projector for the slideshow.

Mother’s Day: Second Sunday in May

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Memorial Day: Last Monday in May

  • Patriotic Sing-Along  – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour program.

 Father’s Day: Third Sunday in June

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Soap Making –  Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.

 Independence Day: July 4

  • Patriotic Sing-Along  – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour class.
  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Punch Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. We’ll also make some yummy punch. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes punch.)

 Halloween: October 31

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal (in costume!) and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Fall Pumpkins – Using paper pumpkins or real pumpkins/gourds, we’ll bring them to life with various decorating techniques and art accessories. A great way to celebrate Fall! (1 hour class, plus $1 per pumpkin for paper or $3 per pumpkin for real)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Veterans’ Day: November 11

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Patriotic Sing-Along – An hour full of great American songs that we know and love! Performed with a singer and guitar. Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate (unless prohibited for safety). 1 hour program.
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)

 Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Fall Desserts and Spiced Cider Making – We’ll use cookies, candies and cupcakes to make cute and edible wide-eyed owls and colorful turkeys almost too cute to eat! We’ll also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per dessert. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus$3.50 per person for materials)

 Winter: Begins December 21

  • “Holidays Around the World” – An interactive slideshow presentation featuring December holiday traditions from around the world, complete with holiday songs, games and treats. Fun for everyone! (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
  • Folk Art Snowperson Project – Bring a wooden snowperson to life with paint and decorative accessories. Makes a great decoration throughout the winter. Please provide staff assistance if there are more than 4 participants with hand-over-hand needs. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • “Create a Snowy Day” Art Project – A torn paper art project to create a wintry wonderland. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials)
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

Hanukkah: Begin 25th of Kislev

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.) Please let us know if Kosher ingredients are required
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Holiday Sing-Along – An hour full of non-denominational December holiday songs that are sure to get your group into a festive spirit!  Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate. This one is sure to get those toes tapping! (1 hour program)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials. Please let us know if Kosher ingredients are required).
  • Hanukkah Pony – A pony all dressed up for Hanukkah will visit for an hour of furry fun and holiday merriment. Everyone who wants to is welcome to pet the pony. The pony’s hooves are wrapped so they don’t damage the floor, and they are trained not to “go” while inside the building. (1 hour program – please contact us for pricing)
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Christmas: December 25

  • Therapy Dog Visit – A certified therapy animal (dressed for the holidays!) and their guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class). We can also bring cookies and punch if desired ($1 per person for materials).
  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Holiday Sing-Along  – An hour full of memorable songs that are sure to get your group into a festive spirit!  Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate. You may choose either a Christmas performance by a singing elf or a non-denominational holiday performance. This one is sure to get those bells jingling and those toes tapping! (1 hour class)
  • Santa and his Pony – A singing Santa or singing elf and their Christmas Pony visit for an hour of furry fun and holiday merriment. Santa plays guitar and sings all of your Christmas favorites, and everyone who wants to is welcome to pet the pony. The pony’s hooves are wrapped so they don’t damage the floor, and they are trained not to “go” while inside the building. (1 hour program – please contact us for pricing) *These activities are also available separately – only the singing Santa/elf or only the Christmas pony.
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Wreaths can be themed to a season or holiday. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 18″ wreath. Please contact us for pricing for other sizes. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

 Kwanzaa: December 26-31

  • Cookie Decorating and Spiced Cider Making – Participants will learn decorating techniques to create their own unique cookie decorations. They will also learn how to make yummy spiced cider. (1 hour class plus $1 per cookie. Cost includes cider.)
  • Hand Made Greeting Cards – We will use a combination of stamping, painting, stenciling, and other decorative techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs. (1 hour class plus $3.50 per person for materials)
  • Soap Making – Learn how to make quick and easy guest-size scented soaps to use yourself or to give as gifts. We’ll also make decorative packaging for the soaps. 1 hour class plus $2 per person for one small soap. If possible, please provide a microwave, refrigerator and clean-up sink. If not, we will bring alternatives.
  • Wreath Making – Make a beautiful wreath to decorate your wall or door using artificial flowers and greenery mounted on a pre-made wreath form. Overhead cover recommended when displaying outdoors. (1 hour class plus $9 per person for 8-10″ wreath or $11 per person for an 18″ wreath. Optional 15″ long wreath hangers are $5 each.)

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Food
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Fiber Arts

By

enrichment through fiber arts for seniors and others

Students will learn the art of hand sewing to create usable objects and fabric art pieces.

Video All programs are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

  • Drawstring Bags – Hand sew a functional pouch with a drawstring closure that can be used to hold jewelry or other special items you cherish (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials)
  • Hand Sewn Sachet – With decorative fabric and some hand stitching a small sachet pillow is made. A hint of scented oil is placed inside. (1 hour class plus $2.50 per person for materials)
  • Name Banners – Fabric letters are attached to a fabric background either by hand stitching or using a fusible adhesive. It can then be embellished with beads, ribbons, and other decorative items to create a personalized wall hanging. ($4 per person for materials. 1 to 3 one hour classes, depending on size of the banner. Please contact us for pricing)

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Food

Fiber Arts Fine Arts

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Classic Cars

By

Nothing takes us on a trip down memory lane quite like an antique car. Cars provide an opportunity to create new friendships, talk about fond memories, share knowledge of car history and car care, and bring excitement to the present by connecting with the past. These are fun inter-generational activities, and can also be wonderful fundraising events.

VideoThis symbol indicates programs that are available in-person or by video

  • VideoClassic Car Flashback: American Automotive Design of the 50s, 60s and 70s – An interactive slideshow featuring photos and fun facts about the major automotive brands and car models that created the “heyday” of classic American car design. With lots of photos of classic cars, this program gets everyone talking! We also bring a guitar and sing some Golden-Oldie songs about cars, and invite everyone to share their nostalgic car memories. (1 hour class) Please provide a computer, tv or projector for the slideshow
  • Classic Car Show Planning and Coordination – We plan and run a fun and nostalgic car show for your group, held in your parking lot. Your group is invited to participate in the event by helping set up the show, greeting cars as they enter, registering the entrants, and handing out the awards. They also judge the show, voting for the top winners in various categories. Food, drinks, music and prize raffles can provide even more fun, and create fundraising opportunities for your organization. You can also invite families and the general public, for a multi-generational event. We also have a classic car we will enter in your show! Shows can last anywhere from 1-6 hours. (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)
  • Car Show Promotion – You plan and run your show, and we help you promote it by distributing your flyer to local car clubs and at local car shows. We also have a classic car we will enter in your show! (Time and cost varies, please contact us for options)

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Food
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating
Kid's Class
Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Positive Living

By

Life can often present us with challenging situations and people that can test our ability to remain positive, peaceful and healthy. Our Positive Living classes teach helpful tools for strengthening our minds and spirits, teaching us how to thrive amid the challenges of everyday life. In the process we learn to feel better not only about ourselves, but to also feel better about the very situations and people that once seemed insurmountable.

Video All programs are available in-person or by video (except Aromatherapy)

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

 

  • Aromatherapy for Balanced Health – Essential oils can give us extra energy, calm our minds, help us sleep better, improve our memory, and provide relief from other imbalances. Learn how aromatherapy can help you, sample some essential oils, and make a customized body scrub and a body lotion to keep. (1 hour class plus $5 per person for materials) *Not suitable for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
  • Handling the Stress of Interpersonal Relationships – Our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances can be the source of particularly difficult challenges. Learn healthy ways of communicating and managing expectations, to help you get through these situations and improve your relationships. (1 hour class)
  • Humor As a Life Plan – Smiling and laughing has scientifically-proven health benefits, including reducing stress and improving stress-related illness. Learn the many ways that you can bring more humor into your life. You’ll also get to try some fun games and groan through a few corny jokes! (1 hour class)
  • “Dear Abby” – A group discussion program led by a grief and loss survivor. We will talk about the things that we wish were different in our lives, and offer advice for changing what we can and thriving anyway in spite of what we can’t. All group members will be invited to offer positive advice to each other from their own life experiences. (1 hour class)
  • The Power of Intention: Creating and Living a Life that Expresses Your Authentic Self – Sometimes we feel like we have fewer options in life, and more limited ability to choose and follow those options. We are also sometimes dependent on others to let us know what our options are, and help us to achieve them. This can lead feeling like we have no control over the content and quality of our own lives. Learn how to determine your options and decide which options you want to follow. We will talk about setting goals, planning steps to achieve the goals, noting obstacles you might face, and planning steps to get past the obstacles. You will leave with a plan you can follow to create a self-determined life that is authentically your own. (1 hour class)
  • Making Lemonade From Lemons – This class helps participants learn how to maintain peace and happiness despite the challenges they are facing in their lives such as grief over the death of a loved one, decline in cognition or mobility, increasing health issues, loss of independence, and moving from their home.  They will learn different methods for coping with these issues through positive thinking, empowering speech, and a gratitude-focused approach to life. (1 hour class)
  • Introduction to Holistic Health Care – Students will learn about the physical benefits and stress-relieving benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, Reiki energy therapy, and Feng Shui. We will discuss how these different techniques help to improve breathing, balance, flexibility, and strength; as well as promote relaxation and peacefulness.  We will have a short meditation demonstration at the end of the class. (1 hour class)
  • The Amazing Benefits of Gratitude Journaling – Keeping a daily journal of things that you are thankful for is a life-changing experience.  By noticing and focusing on the good things in your life, bad things don;t seem so overwhelming, and you end up with a much happier outlook on life.  Gratitude journaling can help to elevate mood, increase optimism, alleviate depression, and cope with sadness.  Your group will learn how to start a journal, what to include, and all of the ways that gratitude journaling can benefit them.  We will also have a short discussion about Mindfulness Meditation (1 hour class)
  • Every Day Stress Relief – This class teaches methods for staying peaceful amid the typical challenges of life.  We will discuss relaxing breathing techniques, an introduction to meditation, methods for being accepting of ourselves and others,  and ways to approach challenging situations in a healthy way.  We will have a short meditation demonstration at the end of class. (1 hour class)
  • Meditation Made Easy – Meditation helps to quiet the mind and release us from worry.  For many people, though, the goal of clearing our minds of thoughts seems impossible to attain.  This class teaches easy methods to meditate, and incorporate it into everyday life.  We teach exercises that help the body and mind to become relaxed and centered.  The relaxation and peace of mind students learn in this class will help them gain a more positive outlook on their daily lives.  We will practice different types of meditation throughout the class. (1 hour class)
  • Nature Meditation – Nature meditations help to calm our mind, balance our energy, and lift our mood. Taking the time to appreciate and connect with the beauty, stillness and constancy of nature is a very healing practice. We will go outdoors to be in the beauty of nature and learn standing and walking nature meditation practices. (1 hour class, and can also be done as an ongoing series) This is a year-round class. In case of rain, we will still meditate outdoors, with umbrellas. In case of uncomfortable weather, we can meditate under a porch or portico, or inside near a window. Please provide staff assistance as required for safety. We also suggest folding chairs for those unable to stand for the one hour class.
  • Good Health Through Balanced Energy – Students will learn how energy imbalances can affect our physical health, our thinking and our personality.  We will discuss the difference between yin (passive) and yang (active) energy, the concept of chakras (the seven energy centers located within our bodies), methods to balance our own energy, and methods for interacting in a healthy way with other people who have a different type of energy than we do. (1 hour class)
  • Create Your Own Good Fortune – We’ll snack on fortune cookies and tea while discussing goals and dreams that we have for our lives. We’ll talk about ways that we can make our fortunes come true, and how we can overcome obstacles that we might face. We’ll write down our fortunes as a way to remember and help manifest our dreams. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for tea and cookies)
  • The ABCs of ZZZs: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Our bodies and minds need adequate sleep for good physical, mental and emotional health. But falling asleep and staying asleep is hard for many people. Learn the facts about good sleep, techniques for relaxing your mind and body, and how to create an environment that helps you sleep. (1 hour class)

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Food
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

 

Pet Connections

By

The benefits of connecting with animals are many. Animals provide steadfast and dependable companionship. They provide us with opportunities to stay in the present moment – feeling a dog lick our hand makes it easy to forget our troubles. The fact that they depend on us for their health and happiness helps us feel loved and needed. And the health benefits of animal relationships are many: decreased blood pressure, better resistance to stress, less asthma and allergies, increased exercise and outdoor activities, more opportunities for socialization, and less likelihood of depression and loneliness. But most of all they provide a beautiful example of unconditional love and acceptance.

Video This symbol indicates programs that are available in-person or by video

Outdoors All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover (except Exotic Animal Education)

  • VideoBlanket Making – We’ll start with pre-cut material and work together to make comfy blankets that you can send to a local animal shelter or rescue group, for their animals waiting to be adopted. (1 hour class plus cost of material). We can also schedule a field trip to the shelter so the participants can donate the blankets directly and meet the animals who will be using them.
  • VideoPet Treats – We’ll make yummy dog and/or cat treats, and package them with a personal note to donate to a local animal shelter or rescue group, for their animals waiting to be adopted. (1 hour class for dog or cat treats, 90 minute class for both, plus cost of ingredients and packaging) Please provide an oven and clean-up sink.
  • All About Therapy Dogs – A certified therapy animal and his/her guardian will visit you for an hour of furry love and education. Learn what is involved in therapy animal training, what kind of dog can be a therapy animal, and what rules the animals need to follow while they are working. Everyone is encouraged to pet the animal, but we also respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. (1 hour class)
  • Exotic Animal Education – We partner with local wildlife rehab sanctuaries to bring exotic animals, reptiles, and birds to your community. This can include hedgehogs, rabbits, turtles, frogs, snakes, owls, hawks and vultures. We provide information and education about the animals and their habitats, and the group is able to see interesting and unusual animals up close. Touching is not permitted, and we respect the wishes of those who are afraid to see the animals up close. (1 hour class)
  • Pony Visits – We bring a pony or a miniature horse to share some cute fun and education. This activity is always a big hit! Everyone is encouraged to pet the animals, but we respect the wishes of those who prefer not to. The animals hooves are wrapped so they don’t damage the floor, and they are trained not to “go” while inside the building. (1 hour class)
  • Holiday Activity
         Visit our Holiday Activities page for fun seasonal programs such as
    • Christmas or Hanukkah Pony

Click on the categories below for a full program list

Architecture Caregivers Classic Cars

Food
Fiber Arts Fine Arts

Gardening & Birds

Holiday Activities

Interior Decorating

Kid's Class

Life Stories

Music

Men's Club

Pet Connections

Photography

Positive Living

Reiki

Writing

Yoga and Posture

Welcome to The Loving Hands Group

We are a collaboration of professional artists and holistic healing arts practitioners who teach a unique selection of educational and life-enriching classes, activities and therapies.

We serve senior adults, people of any age with disabilities, and their caregivers. We work with them individually or in groups, bringing our programs directly to them wherever they live, work or play throughout the northern Ohio area. We also provide community-integrated activities for people of all ages and abilities. Through video platforms we are also able to serve individuals and groups worldwide.

Providing empowerment through education, The Loving Hands Group helps keep people fulfilled, engaged, optimistic, healthy and happy. We believe that all people should have equal access to programs that help them live a stimulating and full life.

At the Loving Hands Group, we bring the world to you!

Referring Professionals


We provide attorneys, social workers, physicians and other referring professionals with a provider source for companionship and life-enrichment services for their elderly clients or clients with disabilities.
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How we can help your business grow

Get your message out to seniors anywhere along the continuum of care by sponsoring one of our programs. Read more »

The Loving Hands Group

2959 Hampshire Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Contact

216-408-5578 [email protected]

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