Free Arts uses the healing powers of the arts to help abused and homeless children build resiliency and learn to trust and heal. All of the children in Free Arts programs have experienced combinations of family trauma, homelessness, and violence. To begin to heal, they need services including mentoring, a caring community, and an opportunity to learn new skills and express themselves.
Art Heals – The creative arts transform and inspire lives.
Every Child Matters – All children have the right to be cared for and respected.
Mentoring Works – Mentoring builds resilience by helping children identify their strengths and increase their confidence.#
Artistic expression gives children a much needed “release valve,” the chance to explore new ways of expression, and the freedom to create in a judgment-free environment. Free Arts programs provide a comprehensive continuum of creative arts experiences that build self-confidence and critical life management skills among abused and homeless children.
In order to overcome toxic stress, children need to build resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adverse situations. Free Arts utilizes the arts and proven youth development methods to deliver a model that we call “Art with Intention.” Each program is thoughtfully planned to include specific elements that promote safety, self-expression and a sense of belonging. Simple activities like closing rituals and creating group expectations inform the significant transformation that many children experience in our programs.
