“Mom sold me to a religious cult when I was 2 and I started smoking pot at 11”
About Us.
At "My Friend Dave," we are a dedicated community of individuals committed to amplifying the voices of the marginalized & vulnerable through creative expression.
Co-founded by Jenn Seniuk ATR, RCAT, an experienced Art Therapist in Calgary, Alberta and her best friend David Lanza. The MFD project provides a safe & supportive environment where men can share their stories through community connection, writing, film, & art.
We believe in the transformative power of storytelling & aim to foster understanding, empathy, & empowerment for those whose voices are often overlooked.
The Vision.
The vision of the "My Friend Dave" project extends far beyond our current achievements. In the short term, we plan to host an annual Art Show where participants can share their stories, showcase their art, or present their video footage, creating a platform for their voices to be heard & celebrated.
Looking ahead, we aspire to transform this initiative into a sustainable model that can be delivered, trained, & implemented in communities across Canada. By fostering safe spaces for vulnerable stories to be told, we aim to eradicate shame & replace it with dignity, understanding, & connection.
Through this expansion, we hope to inspire a nationwide movement that values and uplifts every individual's narrative.
The Mission.
Our mission for the "My Friend Dave" project is twofold. Firstly, we aim to create safe spaces for marginalized men, whether they are houseless, struggling with addiction, incarcerated, or in any form of recovery, to tell their stories. Through writing, art making, music, or documentary storytelling, we empower these individuals to reclaim their narratives. By choosing what & how to share, they can exercise autonomy & build confidence in their voices.
Secondly, we strive to challenge the stigmas & stereotypes held by those of us with privilege towards these marginalized men. By listening to their stories & understanding their backgrounds, we open ourselves to learning and growth. Through this process, we hope to foster empathy, break down barriers, & build a more inclusive & compassionate community.