Salvation Army Lawson Ministries Hamilton

  • Graphic Arts/Comics
  • Interactive
  • Site Specific
  • Design
  • Collage
  • Multimedia
  • Textiles
  • Ceramics
  • Illustrations

We envision a community in which everyone belongs.

Established in 1982, we are a community-based agency in Hamilton, Ontario supporting adults with dual diagnoses, including developmental disabilities and psychiatric conditions. The people we support range in age from 18 to 84, and live in group homes, supported independent living apartments, intensive supports homes and long-term care centres throughout Hamilton.

The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries Hamilton (SALMH) is committed to establishing a network of people who provide support and social inclusion to adults with developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through residential and day program services in supportive, caring environments that address individual needs.

The Paparella Innovative Art Program

The Paparella Innovative Art program started in 2008 as a pilot project and expanded to become a regular curriculum of Lawson Ministries Hamilton. The program, which runs four sessions per week with a total enrollment of 24 students. provides multi-faceted sensory stimulation while exposing students to a range of art media. Art processes focus on technique and free exploration.  While most of the students work independently on pieces, collaboration is also encouraged.  Artworks produced in class are proudly exhibited throughout the halls of the Salvation Army Lawson Ministries Autism Centre as well as marketed for sale to the general public at very affordable prices.  Several pieces were featured on covers of the Journal on Developmental Disabilities. Please click here to view a gallery of current pieces available for sale.

Program instructor Kamila Miszelska has pioneered the development and implementation of this innovative program.  Kamila’s love of art lead her to pursue her undergraduate degree in fine arts at McMaster University.  Her passion for bringing the love of creating art has benefited hundreds of aspiring artists with special needs. Kamila brings her passion for art to each and every class and teaches individuals to find their creative side and focus on art as a fun and meaningful exercise.

The art program is expanding through new connections with the larger Hamilton community.

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