Free Arts for Abused Children inspires hope in the lives of abused, homeless and at-risk children through innovative arts programs and positive interactions with caring adult volunteers. Free Arts sparks the creative spirit of children and families to inspire and transform their lives through the power of artistic expression. Free Arts plants the seeds of hope and healing to help children build self-esteem, improve social skills, develop trust with caring adults and express emotions in a positive way. The philosophy behind all Free Arts programs is simply that “Art Heals!”
Since 1977, Free Arts has steadfastly delivered its mission, bringing the healing power of the creative process to abused, homeless, and at-risk children and their families through volunteer-driven programming. Free Arts for Abused Children grew out of the vision of two extraordinary women, Elda Unger and Carolyn Sargent, who understood the truly therapeutic value of the arts and were eager to share this gift with their community’s most vulnerable children. Using art as a channel, children who have been abused, are homeless, or are at-risk access their creativity and trust in self throughout the course of Free Arts’ expressive arts programs. Free Arts programs take place throughout Los Angeles and Orange County and are designed for youth ranging in age from two to eighteen years old. Last year alone, 588 Free Arts volunteers donated 9,991 hours of service in order to inspire hope in the lives of 27,598 children at 42 partner agencies, which include: courthouses, residential care facilities, domestic violence shelters, low-income housing communities, and family resource centers.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA 90066
- Visit the website: freearts.org