Free Arts

Free Arts’ Mission is transforming children’s trauma to resilience through the arts. Our research-based program model, Art + Mentors = Resilience, helps our participants build the resilience they need to overcome adversity by connecting them with caring adult volunteer mentors and intentional arts activities that develop both their skills and sense of self. Our vision is that every child who has experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect and/ or homelessness has access to resilience building arts programs and caring adult volunteer mentors.

Children who have experienced ongoing trauma and toxic stress are at risk of long-term outcomes including substance abuse, prolonged poverty, and early death. Research shows that resilience is built when children engage in positive experiences and are supported by caring adults. At Free Arts, we use the arts to provide safe, positive opportunities for children to engage with trained, trauma-informed volunteer mentors to provide support.

Each of our programs is built to help children feel safe, express themselves, build skills, develop self-efficacy, and build resilience and hope.