Free Arts for Abused Children
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The work done by the staff and volunteers at Free Arts is amazing. I get so much when I give my time to this organization.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Children are our most precious resource. There minds are fertile and in need of constant nourishment. The Arts help provide a nurturing that these abused children so desperately need to not only to grow but to help heal the wounds and scars that have been inflicted on them.
I have been involved in a number of different organizations that help children in different ways, they are great organization but the ones that stand out to me are those that effect the mental state of the child and Art does that. It allows the child to express feelings that he or she does not even know they have and thereby releases so much pent up emotion you can at times actually see the child's eyes start to brighten and a little of the pain lifted.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
I have worked with, participated in and donated to several charies for children. I have never seen another one that is so well run. I am currently a Trustee of the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Arts Council. We have an outreach program Project S.O.A.R. It reaching a small population of the children of Hollywood in the elementary schools. We had too great loses. Shauna McClure became the Executive Director of Free Arts for Children. Trevi Fountation also left and became the Community Liason for the Foundation. I am amazed and so proud of all the success events. They have created a production company that is throughout the Los Angeles area. It is wonderful that some many abused children's souls are fed by the arts they have provided. They are heading up a dynamic staff that raising the conscientiousness and fundraising. The programing is so insightful and meaningful to the lives of these children and to our community as a whole. This foundation lets children know that than can make something beautiful and it opens the door to other things they can accomplish in life. The art they create is something permenant in their transitory lives. I truly believe that their programing and community outreach is making a huge difference.
I suggest that you open your hearts and write checks to allow them to reach more children to give them hope. In turn you will recieve the joy of giving and knowing that you too are making a difference.
Tony Clark
Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have worked with this charity this year and held a benefit which raised a little money for them--- they do amazing work in the community with at risk youth who really, really need it.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm been impressed with the professionalism shown by the Free Arts organization in general. I've had some involvement with a few non-profits and my observations are as follows: 1) They are often run by the 'seat of their pants' - not having clearly defined purpose or goals - and "re-acting" as opposed to "pro-acting;" OR 2) The founders or those in charge do not allow outside input (ie, younger people and new ideas) and continue to run the organization as if their own private company. The result -- limited or NO growth and not changing with the times. AND the organization's effectiveness (which may have been impactful in the beginning) is diminished greatly, and often eventually dies.
Juding from what I've seen over the past year, I do not see Free Arts falling into either of the above situations.
Sincerely,
DM Smith
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
I collaborated with Free Arts for an exhibition.
They generously allowed us to use ALL of their works for the exhibition and provided full support throughout the process. Huge thank you to Director of Development, Audrey, and Community Liaison, Trevi for making such amazing experience possible.
Great team, great mission and great passion equal great nonprofit!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
I worked as an intern this summer for Free Arts and am so thankful that I had the opportunity to learn and work with such compassionate, smart, creative, and dynamic people. Shauna, the executive director extraordinaire, made it a priority that I experienced as much of the non-profit world as possible by setting up a rotation with each department.
I was first placed with Lindsay, the Operations Coordinator and the heart of the office. She taught me the basic functions of a successful non-profit and really demonstrated how to manage the daily tasks in an organized manner.
I then moved into Programs where I was in charge of coordinating new volunteers and assisting with volunteer placement. I was also in constant communication with our wonderful partner agencies. I was so lucky to see the entire process of finding just the right volunteer for each agency and help create new connections. This was one of my favorite parts of the summer. Each agency I spoke with could not stop raving about our volunteers and innovative programs. I had the pleasure of facilitating a Free Arts Day during this rotation and was so filled with joy and fulfillment as I interacted with the children and really saw how art can motivate and inspire our clients.
My final rotation was with Development in which I was able to put my fundraising skills to use. I learned so my useful skills that I will definitely carry into my professional life; from writing proper formal requests to communicating with large businesses I was given the independence to learn in the most hands on way possible. I also helped secure auction items for our November 8th fundraiser ART HEALS! During this time, I was under the supervision of Audrey, the Development Director. She became my mentor this summer and a true role model for me.
Because we are such a small office, I was given the personal attention and opportunities for improvement and growth by the all of the staff. Audrey took time out of her incredibly busy schedule to teach vital interview skills. Shauna met with me regularly to improve my communication tactics. Free Arts' staff and volunteers exemplify dedication and constantly demonstrate how a non-profit should run. I could not have asked for a better experience! Everyday was such a rewarding experience and I hope to continue my involvement.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I have nothing but good things to say about Free Arts. I’ve been associated with this organization for over 2 years and I’ve enjoyed every event I’ve attended. Annie, the Executive Director is simply awesome! She is an amazing leader and organizer. The rest of the staff gives nothing less than 110%. They give heart and soul in all they do. If there’s one organization I recommend you want get behind and support, this is it. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I came to Free Arts for Abused Children to volunteer a day and get a Disney day for free. Well, I didn’t get the Disney day, but what I found was an incredible organization that changed my life. Once I experienced a Free Arts Day did I fully understand the power of how ‘art’ made a difference in a child’s life. What hooked me was seeing the smiling face of a child holding their art creation. If that doesn’t tug at your heart nothing will. Free Arts is a great organization with people who care!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen the faces and felt the hugs of the children, who were so thrilled Free Arts visited them.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Why change something that isn't broken. They're doing everything in their power to be better than yesterday. That spells commitment and dedication.
It's still the most amazing organization ever. I have personally experienced over and over again the magic of bringing art to kids who need it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The faces of the kids!!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have even more opportunities for volunteers!
I have been a volunteer with Free Arts for about 8 years. They are an amazing organization. Free Arts days bring art projects into various children's charities - last Saturday we were in a residence facility for 70 kids. These neglected children were so happy to have us there and happy to share their feelings through art. They got to be kids and they got to express themselves in a positive way!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing kids faces when they are able to create freely.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that for one day (at least) they are able to be themselves and not face the abuse and neglect so many of them face.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
lovely! The staff at Free Arts are great!!!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Do programs like the Free Arts Day on a weekly basis in all the different organizations.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The staff at Free Arts is beyond compare. Passionate, fair, and -- maybe most importantly -- patient! I've had the please of working with the team as a consultant, and would do so again without hesitation.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Participating in the training sessions and observing the care that is taken to ensure that all involved understand the program and their goals.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get creative in their use of various media outlets to help get the word out.
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