Hands On Healing: Bridging Occupational Therapy and Mental Health
Help me give my students kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, storage units and mood lighting to support their independence as they transition into adulthood.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Yan's classroom raised $728
This project is fully funded
My Project
Transitioning into adulthood presents many challenges, especially for students navigating mental health concerns and developmental delays. In this project, we aim to provide students with a therapeutic and empowering experience through occupational therapy that utilizes cooking skills, adaptive tools, and sensory environments to promote independence, self-confidence, and emotional regulation.
Cooking is not just about preparing meals, it’s a valuable life skill that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.
Through hands-on activities with kitchen utensils, the use of storage bins for organization, and mood lighting to create a calming environment, students will develop essential skills that support both their physical and mental health as they prepare to transition into adulthood.
Learning to cook encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and executive functioning, key areas that are often addressed in occupational therapy. Students will practice using various kitchen utensils, from measuring cups to spatulas, helping to build their dexterity and focus. This activity also promotes planning, sequencing, and time management, which are vital skills for independence.
By learning how to prepare meals, use kitchen tools, and stay organized, students will feel empowered to take on daily tasks that are essential for independent living.
Accomplishing tangible tasks like cooking a meal can build self-confidence, as students can see the direct results of their efforts.
The therapeutic aspects of mood lighting and organization help students stay calm and manage anxiety, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive.
Your support will provide these essential tools and resources to help students learn valuable life skills while also addressing their emotional and mental health needs.
Thank you for helping us empower our students through this innovative and impactful occupational therapy program!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
T-fal Experience Nonstick Cookware Set 12 Piece, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 350F, Kitchen Cooking Set w/ Fry Pans, Saucepan, Stockpot, Kitchen Utensils, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe, Black
• Amazon Business
$120.90
1
$120.90
IRIS USA 68 Quart / 17 Gal. Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids and Latch Buckles, 5 Pack - Pearl, Large Containers for Home and Office Ultra Organization, Durable Nestable Tote Box Tub
• Amazon Business
$84.99
1
$84.99
3 Step Ladder, Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal, Lightweight 500lbs Step Ladder 3 Step Folding, 3 Step Ladder Folding Step Stool for Adults, Portable Kitchen Step Stool Black
• Amazon Business
$44.99
1
$44.99
WEPSEN 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer, 5 Large Mixing Bowls Set, Handheld Mixers with Whisks Beater, Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Bowl Measuring Cups Spoons Kitchen Cake Blender for Baking Supplies
• Amazon Business
$34.67
1
$34.67
suddus 200 Led Christmas Lights Outdoor Waterproof, 66ft Fairy Lights Plug in Connectable, Warm White Christmas Lights Indoor for Xmas Tree Holiday Party Porch Decor
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Command Large Utility Hooks Mega Pack, 5 lb., White, 14/Pack (17003-MPES)
• Quill.com
$22.93
1
$22.93
Mocalido 30ft Color Changing Globe String Lights Indoor, Christmas Bedroom Hanging Lights 50 LED USB Powered for Classroom with Remote Control, Colored Lights for Room
• Amazon Business
$17.98
1
$17.98
IXO 6Pcs Oven Mitts and Pot Holders, 500℉ Heat Resistant Oven Mitts with Kitchen Towels Soft Cotton Lining and Non-Slip Silicone Surface Safe for Baking, Cooking, BBQ (Grey)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Wocuz Chocolate Silicone Mold Larger Alphabet Baking Silicone Mold 13.2x8.9x1.3 Inch Abc Kitchen Utensils 26 Cavities Letter Mold for Making Ice Candy Biscuit Crayon
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
CYLAPEX 6 Pack Purple Fairy String Lights Battery Operated Fairy Lights Firefly Lights LED Starry String Lights 3.3ft 20 LEDs Silvery Copper Wire for Christmas DIY Decoration Costume Wedding Party
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
20PCS Wall Hooks - Adhesive Hooks - 15lb(Max) Heavy Duty Adhesive Hooks, Command Hooks for Hanging, Reusable Sticky Stainless Steel Hook, Waterproof, Apply for Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom
• Amazon Business
$5.89
1
$5.89
Materials cost
$580.09
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$8.70
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$618.79
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$109.20
Total project goal
$727.99
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$727.99
8 Donors
-$725.05
Donations toward project cost
-$618.79
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Yan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"NY","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":4,"name":"High School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/hands-on-healing-bridging-occupational/8897389/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":75,"isEquityFocusV1":true,"teacherScreenName":"Mrs. Yan","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"696845362","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"New York City","teachersOnPage":[3438103],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":8897389,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":109172,"schoolName":"P721R Hungerford @ New Dorp High School","authorIds":{"3438103":{"owner":"Mrs. Yan","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[8897389],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3438103_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729679377716","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":21,"teacherChallengeId":20717316,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":3438103,"schoolCounty":"Richmond (Staten Island)","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"NY","name":"New York"}}
