Exciting new projects in 20026

Arts Healing Across Communities by the Amalna-KOI Institue

March 28 – May 3, 2026 in Chicago

Arts Healing Across Communities is a six-month initiative in Chicago that brings together professional artists, community organizers, and marginalized groups to explore the power of the arts in advancing wellness and resilience. This project integrates KOI Institute’s mission-driven work in cultural organizing and Theater of the Oppressed with Liz DeBetta’s nationally recognized trauma-informed frameworks and Ginger Nepomuceno’s interdisciplinary work that weaves together Hilot (Filipino Indigenous healing), Kapwa Psychology, Depth and Archetypal Psychologies to guide individuals and communities through transformation and healing.

The project kicks off with two professional performances — Ginger’s Rivers Remember and Liz’s Un-M- Othered — with facilitated post-performance talkbacks to provide a safe space for audiences to engage with performances’ themes, grounding the work in dialogue and connection. Following these catalyst performances, KOI Institute together with Liz and Ginger will lead three sets of immersive workshops tailored for educators of color, domestic workers, and community organizers, integrating Theater of the Oppressed, expressive writing, Hilot-based self-care, and collective artmaking. 

Scan the QR code below to register.

Soon to launch in 2026 with pilot centers in Chicago:

“Hope to Health” – the use of technology for empowerment and community resilience

HOPE TO HEALTH is a community-based post-rehabilitation and wellness initiative that uses immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology to support seniors and people with disabilities who are at risk of losing physical therapy gains after discharge. Many underserved individuals lack insurance coverage, transportation, or ongoing rehabilitation support—resulting in functional decline, preventable injuries, and increased health system costs

Building on a proven VR physical therapy/rehabilitation model developed and implemented in Ukraine, HOPE TO HEALTH will deploy shared VR wellness systems in community centers, senior housing, and supervised home settings in Chicago. After a successful pilot, the project will be replicated in other cities and countries where it is needed.

Why VR?

Research increasingly shows that immersive VR rehabilitation improves motivation and adherence to therapy. It allows individualized pacing and repetition. It supports psychosocial wellbeing alongside physical recovery. Yet access to this technology is exclusive to private clinics or high-income users.

Bridging the Gap in Rehabilitation Continuity for the Elderly in Chicago

Across both high- and middle-income settings, seniors and people with disabilities are often discharged from physical therapy without affordable follow-up. This loss of rehab gains leads to increased falls and re-injury, declining independence, and higher long-term healthcare costs. Digital health tools rarely reach underserved, low-income, or socially isolated populations.

In its pilot year in 2026, the Amalna-KOI Institute will launch the project in Chicago. Through its partnership with wellness centers, the elderly will gain access to post-rehabilitation, wellbeing, and age-appropriate exercise programs using VR immersive technology. By combining technology, community trust, and culturally responsive facilitation, this project will bridge the gap between clinical care and independent recovery. A portion of the revenues raised through this non-profit service project will support war-affected Ukrainians through our partner, Way to Health Medical Center.

HOPE TO HEALTH democratizes access by embedding VR technology inside trusted community settings, supported by trained facilitators rather than relying on individual ownership.

We look forward to everyone’s support as we work closer towards our goal of launching HOPE TO HEALTH this year. Stay tuned for updates.