Posted 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026
A Night of Connection and Care
February 12, on behalf of UWL Violence Prevention, Murphy Library hosted the first Hearts and Crafts event. A spin off of The Cupid Project, Hearts and Crafts was an event designed to combat loneliness and spread love to survivors of abuse. Members of the UWL community came by and made Valentine’s Day cards for those at the New Horizons Shelter. Cards ranged from messages of support to creative puns such as “I Whaley like you, have a Fin-tastic Valentine’s Day.” Multiple members of the UWL Student Life Office and Peer Health Advocates (PHAs) organized to put this event together. Haleigh Cartwright helped secure the library location as the Murphy Library liaison, Ali Froelich and Maddie Stephani worked on educational infographics, affirmations, the Valentine's Day box and all other little details, and Violence Prevention Specialist, Blythe McConaughey oversaw the entire operation, helping ensure it went off without a hitch (she also ordered the catering).
Justification for this event came from an often unexplored facet of abuse: the isolation and loneliness survivors face both during and after experiencing violence. It’s well known that abusers will isolate their victim in attempt to gain control and make them dependent. Survivors are more likely to suffer from symptoms of loneliness resulting from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem which become even more reinforced by the loneliness, creating a difficult cycle to break out of (Broxtowe Women’s Shelter and Saprea).
Rebuilding social connections and finding a community can sometimes seem daunting, especially after surviving an abusive relationship, but the health benefits and healing nature make it worth it. According to the CDC, there are numerous benefits that come with quality social connections such as protection against chronic disease and positive health benefits.
Social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Depression and anxiety
Social connection can also have positive health benefits, helping people live longer, better lives. It can improve:
- Our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression
- Healthy eating habits and physical activity
- Quality of sleep
With our Hearts and Crafts event, our main goal was to help build a community in multiple ways. One, for the survivors who received the cards and two, for those who attended who may also be struggling with similar feelings of loneliness. In all we had 30 people come and 42 cards made. We saw duos, groups, and individuals come to the event. People talked, ate, and made cards. Groups of people who didn’t know each other and may never see each other again, came together for a cause bigger than themselves. Whether they knew it or not they also benefited from the social interaction of the night. Research shows the prosocial behaviors-behaviors intended to help and/or benefit others (thinking volunteering, donating, etc.) may benefit the giver just as much or more than the receiver. One study done in Baltimore found that among older adults who volunteer 15 hours a week, experienced improvements in both their cognitive and physical health, including better memory and increased mobility and strength (Harvard). Hearts and Crafts benefitted not just the survivors who received the cards the following day, but also those who made them.
Hearts and Crafts helped draw attention to abuse, educate on the different types, but our biggest accomplishment is the social connectivity we brought to recipients and participants.
As you go forth, remember it is not about quantity of social connections, but quality. It can be hard and vulnerable to show up and put yourself out there, but ultimately you will benefit from it. Even a little bit of social connection a day can help your health. Finally, remember to show up to events, for yourself, and for the people in your network, everyone will be better for it!
