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Program Overview
Free Arts programs are designed to serve children, age two to eighteen years, who have been abused, are homeless or at-risk of falling through the cracks of the system. Many of the children we work with have been removed from their homes and placed in the protective custody of the court system. Free Arts programs interlace the healing and therapeutic power of the arts into the lives of the children and families we work with. Expressive art forms like dance, drama, writing, music, and painting are used to encourage them to channel emotions, release anger, model positive methods of communication, and develop renewed trust in adults.
Artistic expression builds confidence and self-esteem. The philosophy behind all Free Arts for Abused Children programs is simply that “ART HEALS!”
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Weekly Volunteer Program, Art Exploration In-depth
For 8-12 weeks, children engage in focused art exploration centered around a single theme or art medium for about 1.5 hours once a week at Free Arts partner agency sites. Through this longer-term program led by our committed volunteers, Free Arts gives children an opportunity to develop relationships with consistent adult role models, allowing them to nurture a better sense of self. |
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Courthouse Programs, Waiting Room Arts & Crafts
Every day of the week, children waiting for their dependency hearings at the Edelman Children’s Court experience distraction and relief from the anxiety of their circumstances as they participate in arts and crafts activities led by Free Arts volunteers. Our Courthouse Program expanded from the hallmark program at the Edelman Children’s Court to Lancaster as well. |
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Parents and Children Together with Art (PACT) Program, Art for Family Bonding
For eight weeks at a time, families are encouraged by teams of Free Arts volunteers to create positive memories and experiences through family-centered art projects. Carried out once a week for 1.5 hours at partner agency sites, each PACT session allows the families to discover art as a vehicle to strengthen their bond in a constructive, non-judgmental environment. |
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Free Arts Day Program, Art Festivals & Workshops for Children
Two to four days a month, our volunteers lead fun-filled art festivals where children rotate through a variety of themed art stations or explore a single creative medium during a 3-hour workshop. Usually held at partner agency sites, or occasionally an artist volunteer’s studio, this program gives children an opportunity to express themselves, experiment with new mediums and engage in positive social interactions with other children and adult volunteers.
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