Pearl Haven recently had the honor of welcoming renowned artist Jared Emerson to its campus for a special collaboration that brought both creativity and healing to life. Emerson, known for his live performance paintings and impactful murals, joined with the students of Pearl Haven to paint a butterfly mural—a symbol that carries deep significance for Pearl Haven and its mission.

For those who have visited Pearl Haven, you understand our embrace of the butterfly as a powerful symbol. Butterflies undergo transformation, emerging from a limited existence as caterpillars into the freedom of beautiful butterflies. They embody new beginnings and profound change, a reflection of the journey our youth experience.

One of our Pearl Haven youth shared an inspiring analogy: “Miss Jess, we are like caterpillars. We are struggling, slowly inching along and trying to find our way. Pearl Haven is our cocoon, where we feel safe enough to begin our transformation. We grow stronger every day, and one day we realize that we’ve been butterflies all along. We see it, we feel it, and we find that merely surviving is not enough. We need sunshine, freedom, and a little flower that nourishes our spirit. Butterflies can’t see their own wings; they don’t realize how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can.”

Together with Emerson, the students painted a vibrant butterfly, representing their journey from pain to healing. The butterfly, often associated with change, rebirth, and freedom, perfectly aligns with Pearl Haven’s mission to help young survivors reclaim their lives and futures. As the mural took shape, the students were not just creating a work of art; they were manifesting a reflection of their own growth, resilience, and the possibility of new beginnings.

“Butterflies are God’s confetti, thrown upon the Earth in celebration of His love,” as quoted by K. D’Angelo, further deepens the spiritual significance of the butterfly to our work here at Pearl Haven.

Jared Emerson’s involvement brought even more depth to this project, as he inspired the students to channel their emotions and stories into something beautiful. His guidance helped foster creativity while empowering the girls to express their own personal transformations through the mural, making this artwork an everlasting part of Pearl Haven’s nurturing environment.

Healing is hard work—it requires a daily commitment to rise up, confront challenges head-on, and embrace the path forward. But as our youth have shown, transformation is possible, and it is supported by the unwavering generosity of our community.

Your giving is transforming lives.

In conclusion, we want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for supporting our heartfelt mission and for being part of this incredible journey. Your presence, your support, and your commitment are the pillars upon which the future of these children rests. You are part of this transformative journey, and together we are making the world a safer, more compassionate place for these young survivors.