Opening Minds & Elevating Lives through Art
Join the Movement
OMA (Opening Minds through Art) is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program designed for people with dementia. Its failure-free design empowers individuals to make autonomous, creative choices within a supportive relationship.
The OMA program is now reaching lives nationally and internationally, and is designed to be easily replicated by anyone seeking to bring it to a long-term care community, rehab center, adult day program, hospice, or home setting. The brilliant design of the program ensures that positive results are consistent, attainable, and meaningful wherever OMA is conducted.
Anyone can become a certified OMA Facilitator.
Discover the Impact
OMA Expands Across Virginia Through Government Funding
Over three years, the Art for the Journey OMA Training Center certified 81 nursing homes and 176 facilitators to implement OMA across Virginia, thanks to our partnership with LeadingAge Virginia and the DMAS CMP Reinvestment Program. In total, AFJ has certified more than 330 individuals across the US and Canada since 2017.
Catch a glimpse of the 2021-2024 OMA Expansion Project
Discover the Possibilities of Person-Centered Engagement through Art
We believe every life, regardless of ability, can be elevated through art.
Learn about Elevating Lives through Art (ELA)
OMA’s evidence-based methodology is the core of Art for the Journey’s expanded outreach. The brilliance of OMA has inspired us to develop an expanded training to include tools to reach individuals across the continuum of long-term care, where social isolation threatens health and well-being.
What is well-being? OMA & ELA are founded on the building blocks of well-being, according to Martin Seligman. His PERMA model outlines essential well-being in five parts:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationship
- Meaningfulness
- Accomplishment
OMA & ELA Facilitator Training
Be empowered to work with all older adults with and without impairment of any kind by becoming a certified OMA & ELA Facilitator.
Stay tuned for training dates in Winter 2025!
Features of OMA and ELA Programs
Find out about the OMA and ELA programs provided by Art for the Journey.
peer Connection
Meet and connect with like-minded professionals in the aging sector
Professional growth
Earn CEUs as an Activities Professional (NCCAP) or Dementia Practitioner (NCCDP)
Personal enrichment
Create meaningful relationships with residents, staff, community volunteers & beyond
See the Impact
The numbers tell the story
Witness the OMA Facilitator Experience
Discover the transformative impact of OMA & ELA through these faces, hands and hearts.
Hear What Others Have to Say
Client Testimonials
Discover the inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been touched and transformed by our OMA program.
I am so thankful to have crossed paths with OMA and Art for the Journey! I had such a blast at OMA Facilitator Training, I am inspired by all of your hard work, generosity, and kindness. Thank you for setting me up to succeed.
Hannah Jones
Certified OMA Facilitator
I was deeply moved by the community’s connections and creations. OMA is a thoughtfully crafted art program that benefits everyone involved.
Heather N.
OMA Volunteer
St.
Northern Virginia Senior Living
New Horizons Senior Center
Serenity Hospice & Palliative Care
Dignity Senior Living
