Mission: Mission Statement
The Artist Mentorship Program supports youth navigating the trauma of homelessness by creating community, relationships, and music and arts mentorships so that esteem is enhanced, confidence is fortified, and pathways out of homelessness are built.
Equity Statement
The Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) recognizes the systemic oppression of youth experiencing homelessness and works to engage all voices to create a diverse and inclusive environment in which youth can thrive. AMP is committed to pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion for all people regardless of gender identity, racialized identity, Indigenous status, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and religion in all policies and practices. AMP’s commitment to this constantly evolving awareness will be held at the forefront of our organizational decisions.
Results: Over the past 28 years AMP has been able to provide thousands of youth with music and art resources that help to heal trauma while being supported by a large community of compassionate and dedicated artists and musicians. Through partnerships with youth service providers we have been able to ensure a generation of young people have access to these vital tools to move through trauma.
This model of utilizing volunteer support from musician and artist communities has been a staple in how AMP has supported youth experiencing homelessness. Valuing communication skills, emotional development, self-expression, skill-building, and the ability to use art and music as a resource for healing trauma is at the root of all AMP activities. At AMP we recognize that a strong community builds support systems that help youth navigate out of homelessness. We also recognize that to build strong communities we must utilize trauma-informed care that acknowledges and empowers underrepresented BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ members in the homeless communities.
Programs: AMP provides vital music and art education and support services to youth experiencing homelessness. AMP strives to meet crucial engagement needs and support services that acknowledge trauma as the key factor for why youth are experiencing homelessness. Through partnerships with youth service providers AMP has been able to provide thousands of youth with music and art resources that help to heal trauma. AMP is supported by a large community of compassionate and dedicated artists and musician volunteers. AMP builds strong communities by utilizing trauma-informed care that acknowledges and empowers underrepresented BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ members in homeless communities.
AMP provides music and art services five times per week including:
• One on one music instruction
• Art lessons/workshops
• Professional recording studio
• Performance opportunities
• Live sound and recording engineering training
• Group jam sessions
• Arts and cultural events
• Meal services
• Hygiene and first aid
Absolultely impressive and stunning. I learned about AMP through a co-worker when I was struggling to find funds to help two of my students gain access to an art program that was extremely cost-prohibitive. AMP rallied behind the cause and together we raised over $5000 to pay their tuition, room and board for the summer, they now have art portfolios that they have taken to college review days - and the colleges are liking what they see and offering them money. AMP was a HUGE stepping stone in the lives of these two young men, a huge stepping stone toward a future that may not otherwise have materialized.
Support the magic that AMP produces for the lives of at-risk and homeless youth - I support them fully!!
I have supported this non profit for a few years now, and as I do so remotely, living in the United Kingdom I keep abreast of their program via updated emails and facebook. The british music industry supports this non profit and many working musicians have pledged their affiliation with AMP. Rehabilitating at risk youth through the arts is a task that should not go unrecognised. Keep up the good work!
amberjohatt
Professional with expertise in this field
02/19/2010
Rating: 5
02/19/2010
I worked with homeless and at risk youth for a decade and by the time I moved on in my career I had a firm understanding of what it takes to help these kids succeed. Homeless youth's basic needs being met is important but what gives them the drive to one day meet their own needs is purpose.
Artist Mentorship Program, "AMP", provides the perfect setting for a youth to derive purpose in their lives.
A kid gets to learn and experiment with creating their own music and art and they are taught by real artists and musicians.
AMP builds self esteem in youth who have very little to show for themselves and very few positive experiences to brag about.
I have referred youth from my current work to AMP and they have thrived in the setting.
I donate money to AMP because it is a unique resource offering an experience in the art world that is usually only accessible to the privileged.
Artist Mentorship Program is one of those amazing programs where, after you hear the mission statement, you think, "BRILLIANT!". Homeless youth are in situations that can be very complicated and often need guidance, support and information. AMP allows homeless youth a structured, supportive environment where youth can make/learn music from talented, professional musical mentors. It is one of those rare marriages of theory and practice; both the mentors and the youth express how lucky they are to have a safe place to BE to express themselves musically.
As a small business owner in this crazy economic time, I wish I could make quarterly (significant) donations to AMP. I do what I can, when I can, but AMP needs more support.
Please help support homeless youth in Portland have a safe place to learn to be themselves in this insane world. It only takes one small gesture of kindness sometimes to make a significant difference in someone's life.
