Social Worker Ms. Martha Monrose first presented the idea of incorporating Soft Art to the dialysis population at Ridgewood Dialysis Center to Dr. Premila Bhat. She carefully outlined the logistical and financial steps necessary to bring this project to fruition and seeing potential benefit to patients. The supervisors immediately embraced the project.

The creative Soft Art Project stated on Monday October 17th 20016 at Ridgewood Dialysis Center. Ms. Monrose developed the project to empower patients, build self-esteem, and to help them develop new skills.

The Soft Art Project debuted with the jewelry designed workshop. The inaugural workshop was well attended. The group consisted of male all patients who were extremely receptive towards the idea of making jewelry. They reported designing jewelry helped them feel more relaxed and lowered their anxiety level. The patients reported the project was a positive distraction and they would like it to continue.