| "When we teach
abused children to draw, write and sing; they end up learning
something even more important -- how to heal!" |
Free
Arts for Abused Children is dedicated to helping children who
live in protective custody. In Los Angeles County alone, over
37,000 children live under the protection of the courts. These
children have been removed from their homes after suffering
the violent affects of sexual and physical abuse, neglect and
abandonment.
Supported
by grants, fund-raisers and private, tax-deductible donations,
Free Arts expressive art programs work to increase self-esteem
and build positive character by unlocking the imagination and
creativity of the victims of child abuse. Creative activities
such as painting, music, drama and other art forms take place
on site at residential care facilities, shelters, rehab centers
and at the Children’s Courthouse in Monterey Park, CA.
Free Arts serves children of abuse and their
at-risk families through a large corps of volunteers who have
a compassionate commitment to helping children and their families. Volunteers can be artists, musicians, actors
and writers or just caring individuals who enjoy working with
children and youth. Free Arts volunteers are role models, creative
guides and hope-givers. Free Arts volunteer programs of therapeutic
art help to release anxiety, mold positive new methods of communication
and build renewed trust toward adults.
The services rendered by Free Arts are provided
at no expense to the children, families, facilities or volunteers.
