Free Arts for Abused Children
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My experience with Free Arts has been nothing but positive! From that first volunteer meeting the staff welcomed me with open arms and continues to keep me up to date and informed on what is going on each month. I am so fortunate to be a volunteer and be given the opportunity to visit the different facilities; To provide support and encourage a creative outlet for these children. Not only can you see a shift in thses kids in just a matter of an hour or two, you see amazing creativity and artwork flow out of them. This is a wonderful organization! ART HEALS!!
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
reach out to even more facilities and more children; offer even more kids the opportunity to express themselves through creative outlets!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
We have received amazing responses from the children with whom we volunteer our love and art that transform them into creative, positive enthusiastic participants. These children who have suffered abuse and who are responding to us,Free Arts Volunteers...first with trepedations and then with full abandonment when shown ways to express themselves on a canvas with things that often are too primitive for words. Free Arts For Abused Children's two-word philosophy "Art Heals" does work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many ways since 1977 when we started as the number of children we reach yearly has grown to more than 27,889 children reached last year with the help of 588 volunteers working in 40 partner agencies.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire more staff to be able to train, place and supervise the volunteers for which the need is growing.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the amazing results as these children are able to express themselves through the arts.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
superb and dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
train more volunteers with larger staff, get larger office space and supervise our volunteers at all the facilities at which they are working.
Ways to make it better...
we had the funds to enlarge our staff to accommodate the many new requests for our volunteers and more training sessions by our professional advisory board.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
..larger space perhaps donated.
One thing I'd also say is that...
all our volunteers (myself included) are so fully committed to our work, that we are always enthusiastically sharing the amazing results with new people we are always bringing into the organization.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Free Arts for Abused Children is a heart-warming organization! I believe they consider me their oldest volunteer, although this has nothing to do with age, because after 10+ years of volunteering, the “giving” exchange keeps me young at heart. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and empowering children in need. It’s very fulfilling to engage with children and simultaneously witness the healing power of the arts. Their stories are all different, whether they have been abused, homeless or at-risk. Yet, one thing they do have in common is their yearning to be recognized and valued. I believe the art programs and ultimately, the free-exchange with an encouraging adult volunteer can be very uplifting. It provides a little hope to their lives, because they are exposed to genuine people who are willing to give their time, just because. My experience includes participating in their Free Arts Days, a mini art festival that provides flexibility for volunteers who can only volunteer during the weekend. It’s a full day of fun based on a creative theme! I’ve also participated in a weekly volunteer program. This provided me a hands-on experience with a group of children whose parents were utilizing recovery-oriented services, aiming to live a sober life. In particular, teaching an art class once a week for 10-weeks was wonderful! I had the joy of coming up with my own art-based curriculum and the consistency of teaching an art class to the same group of children. Hopefully, being positive was contagious and that they learned how to create artwork from recycled products! Lastly, I’ve sat it on some meetings for key volunteers led by the Free Arts staff and they were pro-active enough to inquire about our feedback on how to improve their programs, protocols, staff interaction, etc. Overall, I support Free Arts philosophy that “ART HEALS!”
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide thousands of children and families throughout Los Angeles and Orange County the positive benefits of their arts programs.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Free Arts for Abused Children is a great organization for not only the deep, positive impact it makes on thousands of children a year but by bringing together hundreds of volunteers so that they can gain a better understanding of their society/culture/city. Free Arts reaches over 25,000 children a year. They bring art into their lives - art can be a tool to express oneself or build self-esteem or bring pleasure or create bonds with others. It's so far-reaching in ways that are intangible. But based on the stories that we hear from our participants, bringing art to children in-need is crucial.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
How it brings volunteers from all walks of life together with children who have been neglected or abused. I love the idea of creating a community where both sides can build a better understanding of possibilities and hope.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The volunteers are simply amazing. The creativity, the positive energy, the enthusiasm, the time, the compassion is truly overwhelming and inspiring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Create a model that could be replicated in many cities around the United States. Currently there are affiliates in New York, Arizona and Minnesota but they operate independently from each other.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
This is an amazing organization filled with dedicated volunteers and a small paid (really underpaid) staff. I have seen children and teens respond to Free Arts activities with amazement. They have asked, "Why are you doing all this for us if you aren't being paid?" They are clearly surprised that we like working with them through many art forms. One teen mother was able to begin connecting with her 4 year old son through the Free Arts activities and she told us that she never had a chance to 'play and create' in her own childhood.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a thousand ways - one boy had shaved his eyebrows in preparation for committing suicide. He became so enthralled with the drama experiences that, according to the staff, he found he was really glad to be alive.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
observing the transformation of kids who didn't want to participate but joined in regardless - the transformation in a matter of hours is astounding.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
mostly terrific. The current Executive Director is excellent and tireless. She inspires so many staff members and volunteers to 'be their best!'
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help to heal thousands of young people who have been abused. They could express where they have been and where they hope to go through the arts because the arts truly facilitate healing.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I've been a Free Arts volunteer and donor for more than 10 years. I obviously enjoy working with the kids, but Free Arts also has a great group of volunteers and community supporters. Their execution of such a simple mission makes such a major difference for our community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching kids faces light up and transform
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
working with kids and meeting other volunteers
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AMAZING!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
impact the lives of even more children!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been a Free Arts volunteer for the past 12+ years -- that alone should say something about the organization in itself. Over the years my experiences have been both amazing and life changing due to the dedication of the Free Arts team, the workshops/programs provided and the hundreds of children we are able to reach throughout the community. Children thrive in environments that take their needs, interests, and abilities into consideration. Free Arts provides a non-threatening space using many forms of art and continually shows positive results in the individual lives of the at-risk children we work with. Free Arts gives both the children and their families a safe place to express feelings through specific art projects thus unleashing their creative expression helping move them through the healing process. Free Arts for Abused Children is a remarkable organization and has enriched my own life as well. I would highly recommend getting involved!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By being a hands-on volunteer involved in many projects.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Being able to work with children and make a difference.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Diverse, interesting and interested in making a difference in the lives of others.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Save many more children by empowering them to rise up and move forward to a better life...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have been a contributor to this wonderful organization for the past 20 years and I have seen first hand how the children treated under this program transform themselves into productive, well adjusted human beings. I strongly recommend the organization who makes all this possible.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many of the events they have held and in working directly with the children taken care of by this charity.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand it throughout the world.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Watching the transformation the children go though after sessions with the facilitators. Truly mind blowing.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very dedicated and knowledgeable about their contribution to the children.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand to all parts of the globe.
Ways to make it better...
I only wish I could do more.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
fund raising as it is with most organization.
One thing I'd also say is that...
By starting early with these programs, you save a life--giving a child a much better chance in life by instilling self esteem, building character and giving them life lessons that they normally wouldn't have.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have known Free Arts For Abused Children since February 2003 or about 7 years. I have worked with a number of Non Profits for the past 20+ years. I find them to be dedicated to the children and support and development of there various programs. I enjoy their newsletters and various events and programs every year.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have worked with other Non Profits that know them well and use their services for their children in need. I have worked with staff, board members and volunteer in the various programs throughout the years
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
See how the children have benefited from their programs.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
I found them professional and very caring to the goals of the programs and related results.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Become a national organization with locations where the greatest need exists.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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