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"Other brain-injured people find Foster's message one they can identify with; a message that they aren't weird or different. Word of the effectiveness of Foster's workshop has spread accordingly."
-- Colorado Daily, November 1994
"This is Bittin's mission, to use art as a vehicle to help people with brain injury grow through it. To use their own experiences, to write and tell their story of growth. Working to grow through it the group emerges with a new sense of accomplishment, of feeling connected, of pride. Growing Through It, a wonderful service, a great program."
-- Dr. George Zitney, Past CEO, Brain Injury Association National
Dear Bittin,
Thank you so much for being a guest on "AM Saturday."
I think the segment worked well and I wish you success in your future workshops.
Once again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Zunk, producer
Toledo 11, The News Channel
10-4-95
12/11/95
NSB GROUP
32005 West 12 Mile Road, Suite102,
Farmington Hills Michigan 48334
(810) 553-6676
Thank you for spending the time with us here at Terry Home. The residents really enjoyed your project. The project looks great and treasured by all? Terry, Jeff, David, Martin, Bob Brave, Ann , Todd, Thank you Bittin! Thank you! for everything. Thanks again, Caila
3-16-99
Dear Bittin,
Thanks again for your time and energy. Several of the residents here were excited over the final painting. They told me who was which figure, why one was bigger than the rest and that there would be a function to hang and present the painting to family, friends and house. They are looking forward to your return.
Did you want me to do an eval . or questionnaire for your records? Did you get the one's Todd brought with him last weekend? Give me a call. I'm here till 1:30 Monday through Friday.
Thanks Again for a job done well.
Carla Reichert
Terry House, Inc. Therapy Director
YOU'RE INVITED
WHEN? Sunday, April 18th at 4:30 pm
WHAT? Potluck & Family Gathering
Last Name Beginning with the following please bring:
A-H Main Dish
I-P Fruit or Vege. Salad
Q-Z Dessert
RSVP- Shelli by April 15th
Unity Church of Boulder
Minister Jack Groverland
Boulder, Colorado 80304
Dear Bittin,
Thanks for allowing me a glimpse of your personal background and interests i.e. the "Growing Though It" material.
Sensing your "vibes", I'm sure your art workshop would be extremely beneficial to people suffering from "TBI", but church policy and Federal Laws prevent us from sponsoring such workshops. As a tax Exempt, non- profit organization, Unity must confine it's activities to Religious instructions etc. or these activities that raise funds for Unity's religious mission. Because there are numerous members of Unity who do classes, and workshops for a living our board of directors have had to restrict them to only those which donate all or most of the income to Unity's religious mission. There is nothing, however, preventing you from renting the art room at Unity, and doing your workshop without Unity's sponsorship. In any case, good luck in your good works.
With Love,
Jack
January 2, 1997
Grafton
A Commitment to the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the fabric of American Life
P.O. Box 112
Berryville, Virginia
Dear Bittin,
Hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits! It was good to hear from you and to know that you made it safely to Seattle. I know that you are excited about the master's program you're entering and yet anxious about the challenges ahead. Just remember that Eleanor Roosevelt said' "You gain strength and confidence be every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." Your journal was an inspiration to me. I have passed it on to a friend with BD who also needs to know that she is not out there alone.
Please find enclosed the remaining balance of $170.75 for the Growing Through It art workshop. The certificate is great! I will share it at a Combined Manager's meeting and will insure that the students see it. Perhaps I will have it framed and hung next to their art project. The response to their art piece in the cafeteria has been so positive. The consensus is that their work and message(s) are powerful and compelling. Thank you for fitting this workshop into your busy schedule before leaving for Seattle. The workshop had a profound impact upon all of us who attended.
I shared your feedback regarding staffs' interaction and treatment of students with Grafton's management team. The information was taken to heart and it was recognized that this is an organizational problem on which we must focus. Thank you for your honesty.
Again, enjoy your new venture in Seattle (Hope you have not been negatively affected by mother nature recently!) When you are back East and interested in completing an internship at Grafton School, we would be honored to have you. May 1997's journey bring you closer to your life goals.
Sincerely,
Moneen C. Christovich
Rockport Publishers
33 Commercial Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930-5089 U.S.A.
Fax (508) 283-2742
Telephone (508) 282-9590
12 July 1997
Dear Bittin,
I've been wanting to write to you for what seems like ages. First of all, I want to apologize for not getting in touch with you as ( as I said I would) when you had the show in Albany- over a year ago now? Secondly, I wanted to congratulate you on the success you've been having with your painting. I really admire the way you have chosen to take such a devastating experience in your life and turn it into an opportunity to help others. It seems strange that it is through our own suffering that our lives can become more whole. After a rather devastating experience in my own life, my father wrote me a short note- and I am constantly reminding myself of it's contents. He said, "Although difficult when faced, it is through experiencing the turbulent occurrences of life that we truly gain a deeper insight and meaningful appreciation of it's overall beauty."
Another reason for my letter is to get some feedback from you. I have an idea. I'll run it by you and, when you have the opportunity, let me know what you think. I work for an international publisher of art books called Rockport Publishers (located on Cape Ann- the North Shore of MA.). we have historically published books geared to a broader audience as of late. Currently, we focus on graphic design, architecture (have a book called Inside Architecture that features the Welles' place on River Road) interior design, practical arts and crafts. A large portion of our business is overseas. I am not directly involved with the editorial department, we are small enough that everyone has an input (more or less!) it occurred to me a few months ago that, perhaps, Rockport Publishers may be interested in publishing a book about art therapy, or the "Art of Healing"- or something like that. When considering how helpful art has been through verbal and physical abuse, the terminally ill, cancer patients, nursing home residents, etc? I also thought of you and how you have used your art in your recovery.
When I mentioned the idea (and you) to our publisher, Winnie Dananbarger, she thought it sounded interesting and said if I pulled together more information and samples of work, she'd be willing to bring it up at an editorial meeting. She forewarned me though, by saying it may be a little "far-out' for Rockport Publishers. Nevertheless, I thought it would be interesting to at least present the idea-just planting the seed could lead to something in the future. What do you think?
My mother mentioned a BG woman, who is a chemo. patient, by the name of Erma Bryant. (she learned about her through MV.) She mentioned that you may know her well enough to mention this to her. In any event, I really believe in this idea-not just promoting recovery through art, but also helping professional artists (especially NW Ohio artists!) who have chosen this path.
Kelly
(I'm listening to a "Best of the 80's radio show. Prince (artist formally known as?) just came on- "when Doves Cry." Reminds me of the back of the bus on the way to the field hockey games! If you're planning on heading home for X-mas, let's plan a get together!)
Jerome Tognoli
Port Jefferson,
9/29/97
Dear Bittin-
Many thanks for your patience regarding the payment?Things got a little complicated.
Clare says she doesn't want to be part of the writing and would prefer you to do it. I think one is feeling overwhelmed with school and therapies at the moment.
It was wonderful seeing you and me with you all the best for the coming year Keep in touch.
Peace- Jerome & Helen.
Rob Cook, Commissioner Oregon Disabilities Commission Springfield, OR
October 7, 2000
Dear Bittin:
Hopefully, the art resources on the enclosed disk are useful to you for your future art endeavors. The disk contains art resources that are for the most part, for the most part, for persons with visual impairments. There are several persons who are great contacts in this field and hopefully, the disk will put you in contact with such folks that can assist you in your future efforts in accessing persons with disabilities to art and the creation of positive works of art.
If you need anything involving areas of my own interest, such as resources, State disability entities or just plain info on vision impairment or human services, do not hesitate to call me. I no longer work for LILA, as I am now employed by a private corporation that develops and produces sensory devices for the disabled?and I truly enjoy working in the private sector! Best wishes and energies towards your goals.
Rob
4-4 -96
memo
Bittin-
We're glad you sent this "invoice" If you have copies of the receipts for film development please send in the enclosed envelope. (That would be great for our records!) If not, that's okay.
Glad you're getting established in the D.C. area. We envy the folks there having you so close!
We all send our love & appreciation!
Suzanne
A banner (with Christmas trees):
12-18-97
WELCOME HOME BITTIN, FROM ONE AND ALL
Rodney G., with love and prayers-Holly Depottey
