FIRE Place
FIRE Place
Room 3130, Sindecuse Health Center
a resource and support center that addresses the issues of Sexual Assault and other bias incidents
Monday–Thursday
9:00 a.m.–5:00p.m.Friday
9:00 a.m.–noon
FIRE Place Art Therapy Projects
Every month The FIRE Place will be creating an opportunity for students to participate in a healing art project. These projects are designed to be both fun and to give students the ability to express their thoughts and emotions through art. Some projects will be single pieces of work that students can take with them while others may be contributing to a community piece of work that will be displayed in the FIR E Place as a testament to students standing against sexual assault, violence or biased incidents. By providing a safe space for this expression we hope that students will learn positive art themed coping strategies. All materials will be provided for students.
October: Touch Painting
This project allows students the ability to transfer emotion to a painting. Students can focus on a particular thought, problem, issue or emotion as they do this project and then attempt to release that emotion through their fingertips onto the paper.
November: Community Collages
This project will be a community project. There will be two boards provided one for students to express emotions, thoughts, and struggles surrounding sexual assault and another for students to express messages of hope and healing. The focus of this project is to let students know that sexual assault is a problem that affects many people in our community but also that healing is possible. These boards will be displayed in FIRE Place to help create a visual effect for understanding all the different ways this type of trauma can affect people as well as messages of healing.
December: Bridge Drawing
This project is designed to help students look at one issue in their lives and think about both obstacles and support avenues that will help them get to a desired place in life or the healing process. Students can choose to focus on what ever issue is most pressing for them in their lives.
Ten reasons to visit FIRE Place
- Become part of a movement to stop Hate, Violence, and Discrimination!
- Learn about how to create a “Hate Free Environment”!
- Participate in healing art awareness projects!
- Get support from trained peers!
- Learn about WMU programs, RSOs and Program offices!
- Do independent research on how/why violence occurs!
- Learn how to support Survivors of biased incidents and sexual assault!
- Learn about available resources in the WMU community!
- Discover how you can change the culture!
- Enjoy a “Hate Free Zone” and safe place!
About the FIRE Place
The FIRE Place is a resource and support center that addresses the issues of Sexual Assault and other bias incidents. It will provide peer support and education, serve as a resource center, as well as provide a number of art and/awareness projects that students may participate in. The center will work to create and maintain a linked network with other programs on Western Michigan’s campus and in the community. This will assist in seamless referral to the services, program offices, and registered student organizations (RSO) that may be most beneficial to a students needs. The center will also maintain a collection of resources and educational publications on the topics of sexual assault, bias incident, and other forms of violence. We will explore why and how these things occur and what we can do to change the culture to begin to prevent them. Lastly the center will provide a safe space for students to enjoy.
What is a Bias Incident?
Bias incident: Negative things that may happen to us because of who we are (skin color, gender, sexual orientation etc.). In other words, a hateful or discriminating act or comment toward a particular identity group.
What is FIRE?
FIRE is our acronym for the FIRE! sexual assault education program, "Fighting Ignorance and Rape through Education."
Who is FIRE Place for?
- Survivors of sexual assault
- Survivors and witnesses of bias incidents
- Students interested in joining the movement to end violence and discrimination
- Students interested in creating art that brings awareness
- Students interested in research on sexual assault, bias incidents, and discrimination
- Students searching for a WMU program, office, or registered student organization (RSO), that best fits them
- Students needing information or assistance with reporting
How can I get Involved?
Everyone has the ability to do their part to prevent bias incidents and hate crimes.
Creating a "hate free zone" starts with you.
- Spread the message that differences are something to be appreciated.
- Contribute to the Art and Awareness Projects at the Fireplace.
- Visit the Fireplace and check out our awareness information.
- Become a Fireplace Volunteer.
If you are interested in becoming a FIRE Place Support Staff Member,
please turn in the FIRE Place Application form.
Contact Information
For more information call Amber M. at (269)387-2990 or email
shc-firepeered@wmich.edu.