Brushstrokes of Hope
In a quiet room at Engedi Refuge, the gentle hum of conversation and the soft scrape of paintbrushes create an atmosphere filled with possibility. Here, two remarkable volunteers—LeeAnn Lehni and Dawn Pierce—dedicate their time and talents to nurturing creativity and healing in women who are survivors of human trafficking. Their story is one of compassion and the transformative power of art.
Both retired, LeeAnn and Dawn could have chosen a leisurely pace to spend their time. Instead, they decided to pour their energy into making a difference for the women living at Engedi Refuge. Every week in the fall and winter, they spend two hours leading Engedi Refuge’s art class. When spring and summer arrive, they adjust their schedule, volunteering two hours every other week. During the off weeks, Engedi residents participate in equine therapy. This rhythm is more than a time commitment—it’s a cornerstone for consistently showing up for the women they serve.
Engedi Refuge offers a safe haven for women healing from the trauma of human trafficking. However, in LeeAnn and Dawn’s art classes, survivors get a break from discussing trauma and find a space to express themselves freely, discover a safe place that’s free from judgment, and explore new creative horizons. The art classroom becomes a sanctuary where fabric, paint, clay, and canvas are more than just supplies—they are tools for restoration and self-discovery.
For LeeAnn and Dawn, volunteering at Engedi Refuge is more than just teaching art techniques and skills. It’s about building trust, fostering connection, and reminding each woman that she is valued. The women in their class are encouraged to try new projects, learn new techniques, and use many different mediums, but more importantly, they can experiment, make mistakes, and find joy in the creative process. The laughter and camaraderie that fills the room are often just as important as the finished artworks. Each new art project is a testament to the power of empathy and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to heal and thrive.
Much of the classroom's vibe is set by LeeAnn and Dawn’s own friendship. The women have known each other for decades and are related through family ties and marriage. LeeAnn is the Lead Facilitator, and Dawn is the Co-Facilitator. LeeAnn is a retired elementary school teacher who began volunteering at Engedi Refuge nine years ago, initially driving women to medical appointments. She then taught math for several years before transitioning to her current role as an art teacher. Dawn began volunteering in January of 2024 after she retired from her career as an Office Administrator for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. “After retiring, I wanted to use my time to get involved with helping people. Here, we gather ideas online for many different projects so all the women can be successful. We see a wide range of abilities, and some of the women are very artistic. They do art projects in class and have even pooled their allowances to get their own supplies to do even more of them outside of class,” Dawn describes. “We recently built terrariums. They loved it so much, they went to thrift stores to get their own supplies to make more of them.”
LeeAnn says a lot of the supplies for the art classroom come from donations or from estate sales. “So many people hear about the need, and what we do here, and they want to do something about it,” explains LeeAnn. “Once they understand the program, many want to give something to it.” For example, LeeAnn had a recent conversation with a friend, and she shared how Engedi had an old sewing machine that was broken. It only sewed backwards, and one of the women at Engedi wanted to learn how to sew, so she recently finished making an apron that was all done by sewing backwards. The very next day, LeeAnn’s friend left a new sewing machine on her doorstep as a donation to Engedi’s art room. The women are so grateful for this generous gift!
Not only are LeeAnn and Dawn a blessing to the women they teach, but the impact of their dedication ripples far beyond the hours they spend at Engedi Refuge. Their commitment to uplifting other women offers a model of hope and generosity, showing that retirement can be a time of renewed purpose. Through volunteerism, they are helping create a community where survivors are empowered to reclaim their joy, one brushstroke at a time.