BryLin is Spreading Hope Through the Psych Ward Greeting Card Program

How BryLin is Spreading Hope Through the Psych Ward Greeting Card Program

At BryLin Hospital, a simple act of kindness is transforming lives, thanks to the dedication of BryLin Art Therapist Eva Kocieniewski, LCAT, ATR-BC. Through her leadership, BryLin became the first hospital in Buffalo to participate in the Psych Ward Greeting Card Program — an initiative that delivers handmade cards filled with encouragement to patients in psychiatric care.

The program was founded by Katherine Ponte—a mental health advocate diagnosed with bipolar disorder—to provide messages of hope to those navigating hospitalization. Originally based in New York City, the program expanded to Buffalo when a colleague reached out to Eva. With the help of her then-supervisor, Shannon Fagan, Eva secured approval for BryLin to participate and worked with Barbara (Barb) Murak, an art therapist and textile artist, to bring the program to life at BryLin.

Community Partnerships Make it Special

Since its launch, the program has become a powerful source of connection and healing. Community groups — including senior calligraphy students, individual donors, and former BryLin art therapist Katie Mullaney’s private practice, Create Space Buffalo—regularly host card-making parties and workshops. Stitch Buffalo, a textile arts center that supports refugee and immigrant women, recently hosted a card-making event attended by former BryLin and ECMC patients. The event was so successful that plans are in the works to make these workshops a regular tradition.

Each month, Barb delivers a collection of cards to BryLin, where adult, teen, and child patients gather to read them, reflect, and share why a card resonated with them. These moments often lead to meaningful connections. Eva recalls when adult patients were so inspired, they made cards for the children and teens. One young patient was so moved by a card that she created a thank-you card in return—leaving the adult patient who received it in tears.

Uplifting Spirits and Breaking Stigmas

The Psych Ward Greeting Card Program not only offers emotional support but also helps to normalize mental health challenges. Many card-makers include their own diagnoses or share that they’ve been hospitalized, showing patients they are not alone.

This Valentine’s Day, Eva turned an overflow of donated cards into a lobby display featuring community and patient-made cards. The display has been met with excitement from patients and visitors alike, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Barb’s contributions have been essential to the program’s growth. In addition to creating cards herself, she fosters partnerships with new donors and brings BryLin-made cards to major hospitals in New York City, where they continue to bring comfort and connection.

Eva hopes to expand the program even further. Anyone at BryLin interested in creating cards can reach out to Eva directly, and community members can visit Psych Ward Greeting Cards or ForLikeMinds to get involved.

“BryLin may be a small hospital, but we are so thankful to participate in this program,” Eva says. “I always look forward to the next time Barb comes in.”