Since July 2024, I've been a volunteering mentor to children with physical and cognitive disabilities. I got to experience teaching children some skills in the arts, like drawing, animation, and creative writing. The experiences I gained are creating lesson plans, communicating with children and their parents, and accommodating for children based on their special needs. I highly recommend this program to those who like the arts, sports, or sciences and who want to begin working with children. I would also recommend this to parents who want to help their children with disabilities learn the skills.
CoachArt is a great program. I love participating in the different clubs and going to the in person activities. There is a variety of clubs for everyone to choose from. It’s great the they’ve expanded to include people from all over the U.S.
CoachArt has been a program that continues to help many kids like me learn and explore new things! It allows us to have fun with clubs that range from instruments to archaeology art! CoachArt learners are spread all across the United States. It’s one of the main things I look forward to after school, and I’m always excited for new and seasonal clubs!
We have been so blessed to be able to participate in this amazing program by CoachArt. Erick, Kristi, Jessica , Emily and Michael have been wonderful coaches to my kids. They have learned to bake yummy desserts, cook foods from different parts of the world. Some of the hands on activities they learned play were: the ukulele, piano, baseball, yoga, martial arts and snowboarding.
Coach Michael taught them how to create a screenplay from writing the script, to designing the sets, how to act and finally putting on the show for their family and friends to watch. Coach Darren has been so helpful in helping my son develop his baseball skills and learning life lessons in the process. There are not enough words to express the level of gratitude and positive impact that CoachArt has given to our family.
I am very happy with Coach Art services. COACH ART was very helpful for my family in moment of need. My son learned to bake and cook thanks to their in person classes. The volunteers dedicate their time and are very passionate in doing it. My younger son recently discovered new passion thanks to Coach Art that is "stop motion movies with clay". He always loved to play with clay but had not idea that could make this wonderful movies. He now discovered a new art. I am greatuf to COACH Art for their passion and the selection of their team members. I always feel confident with them and I hope they can still offer their services in the future because they help a lot of kids getting through tough time. Thank to Coach Art for everything you do!!
We learned about coach art thru a fellow limb difference member at the Children’s hospital. My son and I started with an open mind in drawing classes, hoping we would challenge him missing him 3 fingers. Turns out his difference made no difference and he excelled in that class and was inspired to continue on with his one to one coach for several months! This little Picasso ventured out into other activities as we found out taking these art classes really calmed his anxiety. He has always had anxiety no only related to his hand, but a fear of speaking in front of others, fear of making mistakes, performance anxiety in school and extracurriculars. We then began starting to join the monthly group classes and have been absolutely engaged, excited, inspired, and grateful! We tried new and old things, art, music, sports!! Our favorite so far in the almost year since we joined is Puppet making Club!!! Thank you to the whole coach art community!!! Much Love, Ramon - Lucky hand - Lucky Community of Coach Art we call home!!!
CoachArt is a blessing! These clubs have made a great impact on my daughter’s learning journey. From expanding her social skills to enhancing her imagination, encouraging her creativity, and helping her explore new activities every month, I believe will guide her in finding her real passion in life. As a mother of a child who deals with outburst of asthma and seasonal allergies, being able to get her involved in classes from home is a true blessing. Also being able to keep her occupied and learning is a huge advantage for any parent. She is learning through very fun and creative activities. A big thank you to every single member of this heart giving organization. Thank you for all your time and dedication and all you passion towards all our children. You are all very much appreciated.
Coachart is a Godsend to any family dealing with chronic illness. The ability to participate in typical extracurricular activities is so often heartbreaking when your child is not embraced but often marginalized or treated with disdain. Also, the ability to give their siblings the time and often finances they deserve is such a hardship when one child demands the medical appointments and medical expense. Coachart, their team, and all of their providers have been an innumerable blessing on our family. When we first heard of Coachart, it seemed too good to be true. We have been receiving services from them for more than 6-years. In that time, we have benefited from group lessons, group activities, and individual lessons.
We have attended multiple live events including the nutcracker and indoor rock climbing. We were able to visit the natural history museum and take part in a dinosaur puppet workshop and show. We have also participated in multiple holiday parties.
One of our children participated in group classes including modern dance, screen-printing, Youtubing, and character drawing. They have also received individual lessons in classical guitar, modern guitar, drawing, piano, voice, recording arts, photography, and acting.
Our other child has received private lessons in voice, piano, photography, knitting, and acting.
The team at coach art is extremely helpful and always happy to serve. I have never seen them upset or frustrated, just thankful to give.
We are so appreciative of the Coachart team and the blessing that they have been to our family.
CoachArt is amazing! It has provided almost every kind of art, dance, music and sports classes my daughter was interested in learning. The volunteers we’ve met have been wonderful, patient and caring individuals who my daughter has learned so much from. The CoachArt staff has put together so many amazing get togethers both inperson and virtually. My daughter has built a gingerbread house, made holiday ornaments, attended mini golf and rockclimbing field trips. CoachArt is INCREDIBLE!
I love CoachArt. My childrens benefit of this program. Thanks to Coach Art they know how to play the guitar, ukelele, and now my daughter is learning piano. There are so many good skills Coach Art has. They get all these different classes online and we are lucky some coaches come to our home for one on one learning. Thanks to this program they get all materials free and also they do events in person such as rock climbing, miniature golf, Christmas party. I am most grateful for this program and all staff that makes this possible that my children can get these classes.
I love coach art so much they always have so many amazing classes to choose from, also they always send you the materials for free. My children has been taking music classes and art classes and they have gotten way better. My children are always ready to be in classes. My son’s favorite class is cooking class and they send you everything you need to buy and they teach you so much. Another great thing about coach art is that they have many events you can attend like rock climbing, miniature golfing, and Christmas party’s. The coach’s are always so nice and ready to help for anything. I’m grateful to coach art for making this possible.
I have 2 daughters registered with CoachArt. They have flourished so much in the last few months. They are exposed to many interesting subjects with such amazing coaches. I can't say enough about the coaches! They are so caring and kind. They have wonderful lessons set up for each session and some even have guest speakers. My daughters love being a part of the CoachArt community. I highly recommend!!!
CoachArt has been a true blessing for my family. My daughter, Fernanda, she was born with congenital heart disease and a yet-to-be-diagnosed syndrome, which made it difficult for her to play and learn with other kids her age. When I discovered CoachArt, everything changed for her and even for her siblings.
Through CoachArt, my kids have experienced opportunities I could have never provided on my own. They’ve taken music lessons, ice skating lessons, attended Christmas parties, participated in a Disney marketing workshop, gone bowling and had pizza, tried rock climbing, and so much more. The experiences and adventures have been incredible for them.
What makes CoachArt truly special is how everyone involved treats us like family. Even though my daughter is now an adult and my other kids are teenagers, they still enjoy everything CoachArt offers. This organization has been a source of joy, learning, and connection for my children. I am beyond grateful to everyone who makes this possible. Thank you all, and may God bless you for the impact you’ve had on our lives.
My son has been with CoachArt for 4-5 years now. He truly enjoy every class he participated in from drawing, painting, squishmellow, and ukulele. All the coaches are so nice, kind and patience and has been a great role model for him. What he enjoyed most were building legos, watching movies along with other kids during Halloween and Christmas part. He also love the various STEM classes. Besides the online classes we also attended in-person events like the rock climbing and the Christmas Holidays party and we always had an amazing time and seeing him make new friends make me so happy. We love CoachArt and thank you for everything you do for the kiddos
My daughter has been so blessed to be able to participate in the coach art program. She has learned so many new skills and has blossomed in confidence with all her art. All her classes have been through zoom which she can enjoy comfortably from home. We are thankful for all the wonderful volunteers who take the time to teach these beautiful classes to our children who are facing health battles. Thank you for all you do Coach art!
For the past couple of years Coach Art has been bringing my daughter so much joy. She has been able to learn so many crafts. Participate on in person events which are her absolute favorite because she gets to socialize and see her favorite coaches Coach Emily is amazing we love her. She always makes sure that our child has everything she needs to be a part of the variety of activities they provide for us. We are very thankful to all the volunteer coaches that take their time to teach our kids something new every month. I would like to give a very loving thanks to Coach Erick who is always taking care of our kids and making things possible for them. He is an angel. God bless Coach Art we are so thankful to be a part of this wonderful program.
My kids have been active in this program for at least two years. The monthly clubs are great, the teachers are awesome. My kids love the baking/cooking clubs best. They’ve also participated in the one on one program and they’ve had a great time and learned a lot. Thank you CoachArt coaches and staff, you guys are amazing.
Our two sons have been participating in CoachArt programs for over five years. They’ve been involved in a variety of activities, including one-on-one sessions and group programs.
Through this program, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our children. It has greatly improved their social skills, boosted their confidence, and helped them become more positive and outgoing.
CoachArt is an incredible program that has such a meaningful impact on children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. We are deeply grateful and hope to see this program continue to grow and thrive.
It’s truly the best program out there!
We love CoachArt. We have been with Coachart for a few years now and the experience has been fantastic! My children have learned so much and developed many new skills through the activities that CoachArt offers. I love that not only my child who was ill , but his siblings, are included. We are extremely grateful for the opportunities CoachArt has provided for us. Thank you Eric and Team for everything you do for us.
CoachArt has been fantastic! Our children have enjoyed all types of Clubs from painting beautiful masterpieces, writing stories in collective books, creating Stop Motion movies, learning Martial Arts moves, making fragrant candles, cooking up delicious meals and tasty treats... the great list of amazing activities go on. They have learned a lot of new and exciting things through CoachArt with incredibly gifted, engaging, fun, nice, professional Coaches, at the helm. Their experience has been an absolute positive one. We are extremely grateful;) Thank you, CoachArt!
We loved our Coachart experience! It really helped my child connect during the Covid times with other chronically ill children. Coachart is also a really great way to have a taste of creativity the child may not be exposed to regularly, whether it's music, art, yoga, etc.
We love CoachArt! Our kids are learning such top notch skills. I will recognize things they are learning from my college classes. I forget everything I learn but my kids are remembering everything because they are having fun and learning hands on! They have been learning everything from cooking to science, archaeology, robotics and art. It’s amazing thank you so much!
We have been involved with Coach Art since August 2023 and have tried 2 different activities: embroidery and karate. My oldest daughter is 5 and started kindergarten in August. I was nervous that she wouldn’t be able to keep up or follow along and the volunteer teachers have been phenomenal. They really take it slow, answer all questions and customize the class to each individual. My daughter looks forward to Coach Art activities weekly and I am so grateful for this organization and all the impact it has on my daughter and family.
Coachart is the best nonprofit to link coaches with families impacted by childhood chronic illness. We can coach the families on some life-essential skills or have extracurricular activities. This program also provides a really good support for the volunteers and the families.
Coachart has been a blessing as day one have show my son what to do, what he will master. Instead seeing as someone that cannot do things. due his chronic illness (asthma and coughing ) that after Covid-19 pandemic was misunderstood and prevented him for learning opportunities. CoachArt provides my son for a safe and nurture place where my son had finding not only his voice but the confidence and allows him to express. Coachart and it’s coaches has been the rocks of the foundation of my son’s milestones.
I teach classes here and enjoy it greatly. They have wonderful support, for example when I forgot to order materials, they expedited them.
CoachArt has been such a wonderful opportunity for me to share my art and animation skills with the younger generation in need. I've had many students over the years and try to participate in all the group events in Los Angeles. I'm so thankful to be able to volunteer with such a well organized positive collection of people.
I absolutely love CoachArt. It's been an amazing way for me to connect with people from all over the country by sharing my love of art!
It is just a little more than a year ago that I first joined CoachArt. I was looking for volunteer opportunities and had not considered something like this - to be honest, it hadn't even crossed my mind that it existed (although I had heard of the Big Sister and Brother program). At first, I was intimidated and had to think really hard about what I could possibly teach a child. After going over their website where they share ideas in abundance, I felt confident to take on several coaching positions, and I ended up with a 7-year-old boy I am teaching science and a 17-year-old girl who I am teaching creative writing. Both experiences are very very fulfilling, and I thoroughly enjoy my time with each of them, and I feel I learn so much in return. I have told quite many people already about CoachArt, and I encourage anybody who can spare an hour a week to join.
This non-profit is the best thing to have happened to my daughter. The one-on-one lessons and group lessons are geared toward her areas of interest. Moreover, they send all the supplies free of cost. My kids are able to take benefit of the classes offered by Coach Art from the comfort of their homes. And they feel good connected to other kids with similar conditions. The Coach Art community esp the mentors are super-amazing.
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Coach Art is the best thing to have happened to my kids, esp during the pandemic. My kids started the classes in June 2020. The classes are very well-organized and the coaches are extremely helpful and empathetic. My kids have learnt to paint, do yoga, martial arts, bake, etc. from the comfort of our home. The impact of the classes is such that my daughter feels her illness is a boon.
MY children all love the classes and they are learning new things every time. This has been such a wonderful blessing for our family, I cannot thank CoachArt enough!!!
CoachArt is an amazing organization that makes it easy to teach kids wherever they are! I'm grateful to have volunteered as a music teacher for the past 3 years and made meaningful connections with kids and their families. Thank you for everything you do!
My son has been taking lessons with CoachArt for a year and a half and absolutely loves it! He's taken drawing, music, musical theatre, book club, and so many more! We are so grateful to CoachArt for helping our son develop these skills and feel like a regular kid for a couple of hours each week!
Coachart had been amazing for my family! My girls have dealt with so many health problems, countless hospital stays and doctors visits, and this program has been an amazing break from all of that. It is so hard for us to get out of the house with all of the health problems and worrying about picking up illnesses, so the kids having an opportunity to do all of these activities and socializing from the safety of our own home has been a true blessing.
My daughter has been part of coach art since 2020. It helped her to move and recover after having a tumor removed from her leg. And since then it has also helped her to make friends. She suffers from chronic asthma as well as multiple allergies, developmental delays and autism/ADHD. The combination of all of these make learning a struggle for her. She loves art though and these classes have really brought her out of her shell. Whether it's thru writing workshops to improve her skills or cooking or art workshops to prepare her for the future Gabby loves working with CoachArt. She considers her latest painting coach, Miriam to be one of her best friends even though this one lives in CA so she's never even met her in person
I've been volunteering with CoachArt for over 3 years and have had an incredible experience doing so. I was paired with an 8-year old student that wanted to play basketball with his brothers for the typical 10 weeks that each volunteer signs up for. CoachArt gave me the financial support to obtain materials to run my sessions and gave me tips and ideas on how to make sessions fun, while allowing me to improvise and do what was most fun and beneficial for the student. Since then my student and I have had a great time and we have been getting together for sessions most weekends over the last 3 years. His family and I have become great friends and it has not only helped improve my student's life, but has also been rewarding for me personally. CoachArt has provided an amazing opportunity to not only get involved with helping children with chronic illnesses but also giving an opportunity to really get to know students on a deeper more qualitative level.
Coach Art has been a blessing to our whole family. Our daughter with chronic illness is able to explore the things she has always dreamed of doing. At the same time, she has gained more confidence & skills that bring her joy and independence. She feels important and accepted!!!! Our youngest who often feels neglected loves Coach Art and finally feels like there is something for her too. The caregiver painting class we took was the first class we have ever done for ourselves that had nothing to do with parenting. It was so relaxing, and was a much needed respite. I tell everyone I see about Coach Art!
CoachArt Is an amazing organization! They are very well organized, friendly, and accommodating. They have such a vwde variety of activities to choose from. My daughter's love their Individual as well as group classes! It definitely helps with their confidence and creativity.
Their coaches are very knowledgeable and flexible.
It is great to see Luna being able to participate in extra activities that she enjoys. This program works for Luna because she can conserve her energy by being able to stay at home. It would be too much for her body to participate in any after school activities. Also art is a great tool for mental health and Luna has had some struggle with mental health this year. I've mentioned CoachArt to my kids therapist and other parents who have kids with chronic illness. We think its great!!
Derek, my son's coach through Coachart, has made such a positive impact in my son's life. Because of his outstanding coaching and encouragement, it's given my son confidence not just in basketball but in all social situations. His dedication and mentorship has made a life-changing impact in my son's life. Thank you CoachArt for providing this amazing opportunity.
I see this as a bidirectional support, I teach/coach something and at the same time she was teaching/coaching me back. It is a way to help someone and leave a positive footprint in someone's life
Coach Jensen has really been a blessing. My son plays his guitar every single day. You can see the spark of joy and music back into his eyes! He also hasn't played video games at all this week, just the guitar! This. This is one of the joys and beauties of CoachArt! Finding something they love and use it as an outlet! So glad we have CoachArt!
In 2018 my son experienced a traumatizing injury by surgical error that left him wheelchair bound. CoachArt has helped instill a sense of community, belonging, and self confidence that he had lost throughout this major life altering event. CoachArt has allowed us to feel a sense of normalcy amongst the chaos that can come along with childhood health conditions. Each lesson offered a therapeutic approach through some of the most compassionate & giving coaches I've ever met. With every lesson came a sense of belonging, support, understanding, but most of all a great deal of healing. So much had been taken away from my son at such a young age. CoachArt has been instrumental in adding so much back into our lives. I say "we," because CoachArt gives so much to parents as well. We are truly a team! We are forever grateful for CoachArt and all they do to enrich our lives.
CoachArt has been extremely wonderful for my kids. My older daughter has health issues and physical handicaps. Coachart provides free group clubs and 1:1 classes with a volunteer match. Things and classes that my daughter could not do in general classes due to her handicaps, she can do now with CoachArt. She did yoga, martial arts, basketball, arts, painting, things that she could not even imagine learning with regular classes.
CoachArt also provides all supplies for free and also provides classes on zoom (so it is very convenient with my daughter). Especially throughout Covid, the classes helped maintain some sanity and contact with the outside world. Also she met some new people in the coaches and had some social interaction that she couldn’t get earlier.
COACHART Has been a truly God-send to our family and for our son since Summer 2020 when we got the opportunity to signed up for Summer Camp sessions as they had open to other cities to get the opportunity to more kids with chronic illness to get confidence and learn in a fun and positive way.
We live in New York. And my son has been part of COACHART Group Clubs with are free and my was able to learn to play Ukulele, to Dance with Hip-Hop classes, also Yoga, Karate, Puppets making, Creative Drawing, get to know how to be an entrepreneur, Painting, Sketching, Baking and Writing and many more.
In addition to these amazing group weekly classes we also got the blessing to work with professional, caring, kind Coaches with 1 to 1 extra sessions; amazing coaches that had tailored themes and schedules according to our son’s interests and to out family regular schedules.
COACHART also provides the Art and Sports supplies needed in all their Programs. Very needed help as Otherwise we couldn’t afford to enrolled him.
My son now is more confident and he’s so proud of his finished projects that start to find his voice and the shyness started to faded.
Even at school, his experience with COACHART had made an impact into his classmates as they had noticed that he uses different techniques and art supplies and therefore the teacher had to raise the quality of the class. Also the Skills practiced at classes are very helpful for schools and for daily basis.
It is a wonderful journey with these amazing organization that are truly FOR THE KIDS. As with chronic illness many of them are home inbound or being relegated at schools problem that has been increased due to pandemic times and here in New York with no indoor places to go to being able to participate and learn are incredible opportunities. They are part of the group and truly sensed a belonging feeling.
Coaches are not only roles models and mentors; now it feels like they’re part of our family and will hold them in our hearts forever.
We love you COACHART and we
want to express our forever thank you for all that you do for my son and for my family.
We hope more kids can get into the programs as is easy to sign up, classes are tailored to families needs, there are opportunities to learn, to have fun, got skills and participate in contesta as this amazing Non-profit organization is professional, transparent and the most important part is that the learning will never stop to amaze and the HAPPINESS and smiles in my son’s little face are priceless and the experiences with all coaches have been make my son thrive.
Thank you so much COACHART!
We were introduced to CoachArt by our Pedia Endocrinologist from CHLA. We never got a chance to enroll in any CoachArt activities since most of the events were in person and we do not have a means of transportation. Fast forward to 2018, we moved to the Bay Area, we lost touch of CoachArt thinking this organization only operates in Southern California. Glad we were wrong, we learned that they have an office in Oakland and they offered at home coaching. This is where we felt CoachArt sincerity with their mission to make an impact on families affected by chronic illness. CoachArt coaches went off their way to travel to our home to spend time with our kids and made every interaction special and memorable. My kids were usually aloof and shy prior to engaging with their coaches. We noticed the transformation that happened during the session with their coaches, kids loosen up and were more social. Pandemic did not stop CoachArt to making impact to our family - since 2020 our kids were into different activity - Creative Writing, Painting/ Drawing, Voice Lesson, Martial Arts, Music, STEM Robotic, Coding, Comedy, Digital Media Arts, Volleyball, Basketball, Baking, Yoga and lots more. Each of these would cost us at least hundreds of dollars to enroll our kids - not to mention the cost for art supplies, materials or ingredients needed for these activities. These opportunities are something that my kids would have missed if not for the generosity of the people behind CoachArt. To CoachArt and to all the amazing coaches who volunteered their time to coach, to mentor- from the bottom of our heart, thank you! We appreciate everything that you do. CoachArt please continue to be a blessing to others!
CoachArt Staff!!!!
I'm in awe of how well the CoachArt classes are assembled they are by far above my expectations . As a parent of 3 children we have been participating for 4 years. CoachArt has been extremely beneficial and meaningful for my children it has increase the quality of our children self esteem as well as shape them in a most healthy and joyous way! The program has a positive role model in creating happy, healthy, and wholesome environment both in person as well as online classes. CoachArt staff goes above and beyond always empathetic to our children needs. Staff will always praise each and every child each time on how special and beautiful their accomplish are met in is class. From coding, painting, martial Art, Dancing , sing, playing multiple instruments. These are some of the classes that have and will continue to strive in my children positive spirts . CoachArt staffs give the tools for success that will change your child life!" CoachArt Thanks a million for your hard and spectacular work.
-Luz Alvarez Covina Ca
My daughter has loved her CoachArt classes! She was matched with a one-on-one volunteer last winter; the volunteer was terrific and helped Ivy get through some tough times. This summer, Ivy took a contemporary art class and couldn’t wait for it every week! Very well run organization with terrific staff!
I am a CoachArt kid and I absolutely love attending their virtual programs. They supply me with everything I need to succeed at no cost. I enjoy being in a environment where I am accepted and able to foster my creativity even while homebound from school
CoachArt has opened so many opportunities to my daughter who has special needs. We joined in 2019 and have taken a variety of classes with the best Coaches!!. They are patient and positive and provide a great variety to meet the diverse groups interests.
I am so grateful to coachArt for their amazing program. CoachArt has brought happiness to my family. As a parent, when our children are happy, you are happy specially when you have a Child with a chronic illness. My daughters have been able to participate in many activities like drawing, painting with water color, painting with acrylic, arts and crafts and so on. I have seen the positive influence that coaches have in my daughter. Because of them, my daughter has confidence in herself. She is free to be herself. I cannot thank coaches enough for all they do for my daughter. All of the coaches are kind, patient, and really listen. They give my daughter a voice. CoachArt is a lifesaver. Thank you!
CoachArt is an awesome organization. They have given my daughter many wonderful experiences. They encourage and teach her to try many new things. Their lessons are rich in variety. My daughter enjoys and loves all their lessons. Although she has been struggling against her serious illness, CoachArt makes her life fulfilling. My husband and I are very happy to find CoachArt for her. I just want to share how much CoachArt means to our family! We can not thank them enough.
I have two chronically ill children that have been receiving free CoachArt classes for several years in Art, Crafts, Basketball, Baseball, Creative Writing, Drawing, and Book Writing with a professional published writer! We’ve had famous coaches, professional coaches, and college students too. We couldn’t be more happy with the training our boys have gotten from CoachArt that they would not have gotten any other way. When the pandemic hit, they didn’t skip a beat with online group and one-on-one classes. My children are about to earn their next belt in Martial Arts through CoachArt with a professional Master! They have written books, and made crafts that are enjoyed for months. The administration of CoachArt is professional and kind. They are on top of the schedule and communication. Overall, CoachArt is the most amazing nonprofit ever!
Two of my children have taken part in coachArt for one year. During these unprecedented times CoachArt has been consistent in bringing a bit of normalcy to my children through their art, music and yoga programs. My children engage with other program students and volunteers with such joy. They look forward to their classes and have learned a lot. The joy and skill learning CoachArt provide to my children are priceless.
CoachArt has become a community we never realized how much we needed. CoachArt has brought laughter, excitement, fun, and the opportunity to learn new things. Having a daughter with a chronic illness, being a single mom, and living in a pandemic have brought struggles I could never imagine. However, thanks to CoachArt, they have taken a weight off my shoulders and provided many opportunities these girls would have never had been able to have. CoachArt has definitely become a considerable blessing to our family. ❤️
Coach art has caused an amazing positive change in our life. When your child got diagnosed with a progressive disorder your world comes crushing down. Because of his disability my son felt excluded, left behind, frustrated that he couldn’t keep up with the rest. But out of all these new rough challenges that came with his disability, Coach Art came along. Coach art was a place where he can feel like he belongs, a place where he feels valued and heard. A place where he can bake and do art and coding. A place where he can learn and practice karate at his own pace. Coach Art has helped my son see that he is not alone in this, that there are others like him, that there is a whole group of people out there that care for him and think of him and that he is important. Thank you Coach Art for providing a safe space for my son to shine.
We joined CoachArt since year 2019 and CoachArt has been playing an important role in our life ever since then. My daughters have enjoyed all the fun group activities provided by CoachArt: painting, coding, yoga, music, etc. Not only has CoachArt given them an opportunity to try various new things, they have given them a chance to meet new friends and feel included. We have met so many awesome coaches via both group activities and one-one-one lessons. I hear constant giggles and laughters every time my daughters are having CoachArt lessons. The relationships that they have built with the coaches are strong. Words can't express how grateful we are to be part of the CoachArt family. Thank you for all you do!
Coach for arts is a great organization. It provides quality high interest lessons for children. Along with all the necessary supplies to make this happen. My daughter looks forward to her group lessons and although she is very shy she feels like she is part of the group. The coaches are patient and very knowledgeable on the subject. This program has been a life saver during this pandemic by providing online I instruction for many children who have underlying health conditions.
CoachArt has given my son and daughter opportunities to experience art, music, coding, rock climbing, and many other activities. They have provided a form of therapy for my daughter to be able to cope with her brother’s cancer. Sometimes siblings are overlooked but not at CoachArt. They are just sad valued.
CoachArt is a wonderful organization. My son is very creative and loves to paint. He was so happy when we found the CoachArt's painting and drawing lessons on YouTube. He's recently also started a weekly painting group via Zoom that gives him a chance to interacts with Coaches Erick and Jess, as well as other kids. The Coaches are so patient and supportive with the kids and really encourage them to make the artwork their own.
Coachart is an amazing organization! My son was born with multiple medical problems and we came across a Coachart application during one of our visits to CHLA, soon after submitting the form we came into contact with Coach Erick and we were blown away during our very first class! Everyone was very kind and welcoming! As soon as we left the class my son's response was, "Lets do that again!" There are truly no words to express my gratitude for this organization and the work that they do!
My daughters love coach art.....not just another charity doing work just because. The classes and most especially, the volunteers are extremely thoughtful and kind. They almost not human! We have loved all of the coaches we've had and with each class, the girls are learning valuable life lessons. Erick is great at communicating and is ever so patient and kind.
Thank you for the work you do, CoachArt, for making the kids lives a bit easier, colorful and fun, and for taking some of the burden away from the parents.
My kids and I love Coachart program. They give to my kids the opportunity for new experiences without making any difference between the children, making each one feel special.
The coaches are people who are prepared to treat children with different abilities, and children learn different and fun activities according to their ages and tastes without having to pay anything. As a mother, I am very happy to have Coachart in my children's lives. Thank you very much Coachart team!
I am very grateful to this organization that gives our children so much joy, Thank you for putting happy smiles on our children in each activity and thank you very much for your effort and dedication to all the coaches and volunteers..
Coach Art has being the most amazing program that my daughter has being during this pandemic time. Honestly it brought peace of mind and joy to my daughter during this difficult times. She loves participating on the clubs and engaging with other kids and the Coaches. My heart is so grateful that my child is part of this beautiful organization where kids with chronic illness can explore and enjoy art and at the same time forget for a moment about any medical illness. Coaches are very kind and amazing persons. I am beyond grateful for Coach Art's mission. We Love Coach Art.
Throughout my daughters treatment we did a lot of arts and crafts here at home and while admitted. She was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago. We came across coach art two years ago at cancer family camp. I wish we would have known about them sooner! So happy and grateful to be part of the coach art family. This organization is amazing. Pre-Covid we tried to join as many events as we could but with our busy schedules it was a little hard to do many clubs. During these COVID times they have been doing a phenomenal job at doing virtual clubs with the kids. The supplies are mailed out, the meetings are engaging and educational. Eric and Jessica are the best coaches any kid could ever ask for. I don’t know what I would have done without the clubs during these hard times. My daughter has done as many clubs as we can sign her up for and she looks forward to them everyday.
My daughter was also blessed to have been connected with a coach. They have been doing yoga and cooking lessons for 12 weeks. Not only has my daughter learned a lot but she feels more confident and excited to see her coaches.
Our family was impacted by childhood cancer twice- once in 2016, then 2017. Our life as we new it was over and a "new normal" began full of appointments, hospital stays & medications. Isolating ourselves also became part of our routine. At the beginning of 2020, one of our social workers at CHLA suggested enrolling our son and his two sisters in CoachArt as a way to have them socialize outside of our normal circle. CoachArt has definitely not disappointed. The coaches are amicable, communicative and understanding. They allow the kids to be themselves which helps them relax and enjoy their activities. They've also gone above and beyond during these uncertaint times and have allowed our kids to have creative outlets which provide a sense of normalcy. They have been able to participate in arts & crafts, photography and music lessons. I cannot wait to see what new activities they'll experience next! Thank you ,CoachArt!! We appreciate all of you
CoachArt has been amazing to our family, and we are blessed to benefit from its services. My 11 year old daughter suffers from hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy, and this year she had 4 brain surgeries, 1 eye surgery, many physical therapies and doctor appts. Our lives have changed since our kids started doing CoachArt. All of my 3 kids can participate in the activities of their interest, meet other kids with chronic illnesses and feel like they’re not alone. Our kids have gained so much confidence in themselves, an apppreciation and love for the arts and feel more comfortable in expressing themselves. They have taken art, drama, painting, ukelele, tennis, acting, clowning, hip hop, yoga, and drawing. They have been able to do things that normally we would have not been able to do. There is such an excitement every time a class is about to start because CoachArt sends all the materials and it’s like unraveling a new present every time they send a package! We absolutely love CoachArt!
My daughter has been a Coach Art student for the past 6 years. It has been such a beautiful and enjoyable experience, where she has had the opportunity to create many lasting memories. Thank you for everything!
I believe I learned about CoachArt through Facebook I signed my boys and we’ve been with them for about a year now. I would say is my best decision ever. My three boys really look forward for their next activities always wondering what will it be next my boys are 7 years old and the twins are 10 years old one of the twins has has a chronic illness and he loves his classes with CoachArt I would say their favorite activity so far is art since they love to color and paint they enjoy doing their paintings and they like that nobody judges them because they know they did their best my boys enjoy seeing most of the kids in the classes they always call them our friends which I love now they’re through zoom they always say hi and bye to them and the coaches what can I say about them? They are great they keep the kids focus and what I love is that they talk to all the kids they involve all of them so the kids feel special at least my boys do I want to thank all the coaches because they’re great I know they have different and a lot of activities to offer which is what I love. A program that offers many things for our kids like I said in the beginning best decision ever to enroll my kids in this nonprofit organization which is CoachArt.
We have an 11 year old girl with a complicated medical history, she has been admitted for months in a row and that took a toll on her 13 year old brother; she is fragile and needs a lot of patience but her brother was feeling left out.
I spoke with her social worker, there were programs helping her but none that included her brother so she referred them to CoachArt, they have been in the program for three of years now and I cannot thank them enough, Dayana was able to join sports with other kids for the first time in her life and Miguel was allowed to be part of the group. CoachArt provides so much needed support not just for our girl with chronic issues but for her brother.
So far they had baseball, tennis, soccer, climbing, bowling and skating, without CoachArt they would have not been able to attend these sports and most of all feel like they belong.
At the beginning of the pandemic we thought CoachArt services were over, they could not do any more in person sessions and that was sad but they went the extra mile and found a way to keep working with our kids, online virtual clubs took over and soon our kids were again involved and motivated in CoachArt's sessions.
We are beyond grateful to find selfless people like the coaches, every one of them is so special, CoachArt was great before the pandemic and now in quarantine is simply a lifesaver, from the bottom of my heart, thank you CoachArt.
CoachArt has been the most amazing program my teen girls and my eight-year-old son have participated in. They have participated in group activities and individual lessons. Activities which we would not be able to afford. In the group activities, I don't have to worry about my children not being able to fit it. In the program, coaches are well aware of the children's medical conditions and are considerate and compassionate without making them feel different. This is a place where my kids feel welcomed, treated equally, and as a parent, I can relate to the other parents. We share the same struggles and sometimes the same hardships. We can related and talk to one another like we completely understand one another. It's a great place for the children dealing with an illness, the parents, and also siblings. Siblings get to interact with other siblings who also have a sick child in their home. But when my children participate in these activities its not about being sick or financial hardships as CoachArt provides all materials. When they get together, its all about smiles, using their imagination and having fun. My kids truly enjoy it! Without CoachArt, I don't know what my kids would do. This program is truly a blessing to us
I am a single mother of 2 ages 5yrs and 12yrs old and they both have chronic health issues so CHLA is our 2nd home. One of the nurses in my son specialty clinic referred me to look into it and apply. Im truly grateful I followed thru with everything I have going on with both children. The most loud changing activity was about 3 months ago when my signed my daughter up for ballet with CoachArt. Shortly after my daughter had to have spine surgery. After the surgery her surgeon wanted my daughter to be active but her self esteem was shattered and ballet was due to start maybe 1week after her surgery. Per her surgeon consent we proceeded with just letting coach Heather aware of the situation and to go easy. In the begining my daughter wasn't too excited but coach kept going keeping her engaged until she looked forward to her lessons and completed a routine. She has fully recovered and posture is better. Thank you Coach Art for having such a wonderful program for children and families like myself.
I had never heard of coachart until a couple of years ago when they brought on Dr. Thyonne Gordon as executive director. She has grown the organization tremendously and has led the staff to follow in her image. The work that they do for chronically ill youth is life changing and it makes me feel great to donate to such a good cause and well ran organization.
As Executive Director of another organization, I came to know CoachArt through their volunteers who came to help our organization with an event. The folks at CoachArt are warm and welcoming with a passion for giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. The programs they offer children with chronic illness impact those they serve in the most meaningful of ways. Whether in-home or in-hospital, the CoachArt mentors give the children they work with a sense of self and a sense of control when their disease tries to take control away on a daily basis.
CoachArt is not merely just another nonprofit, it is a "breath of life" a "closed door opened" for kids and families that desire to focus more on enjoying life than chronic, life threatening illness. As the social media advisor, I'm told online through chats, tweets, and blogs of the indelible impact CoachArt has in the lives of the participants AND its volunteer mentors. These stories are a testament that dwelling on things that make you happy can improve health, raise self esteem, and overall improve the quality of life for those involved.
CoachArt is a perfect blend of my passion for art and my desire to help patients with chronic illnesses - I started as a volunteer in October 2010 because I truly believed in their mission to improve lives by engaging the community and taking a holistic approach. The organization recognizes the importance of the arts and athletics as a means for the chronically ill youth to take their mind off of their debilitating illness. I was lucky enough to witness some of the activities we introduced the kids to turned into real passions and some mentor-youth relationships deepen over the years. The gratitude in the CoachArt parents' eyes and the kids' excitement confirmed that this was a meaningful way to improve the lives of these families. Yet the CoachArt families are not the only ones benefiting from this organization: the mentors unanimously report that their time mentoring CoachArt youth has been rewarding, eye-opening, and extremely special. What a wonderful organization that benefits every individual involved!
CoachArt truly helps to build communities of care! I really believe that everyone involved can feel this- it results in people taking action and doing something positive in the community to benefit a child with an illness.
I have worked at CoachArt for over a year now and it has completely changed my life! What drew me in was the mission and what has kept me here is the fierce passion our staff, board and volunteers have for carrying out the mission. Additionally, CoachArt's inclusion of siblings in our program absolutely underscores the importance of bringing a holistic approach to caring for children with chronic illnesses. It reminds us that diseases like cancer and sickle cell anemia don't just impact the patient.
When I first encountered CoachArt, I was taken by the importance of the service they provide. But it wasn't until I attended a CoachArt event at a hospital and looked into the faces of the children that were being served. Not only those undergoing various treatments, but their siblings as well who were made just for that day in that moment to feel special and only be concerned about having fun, instead of healing and mortality, which are things even as adults we struggle with grasping. I learned two lessons that day. The first was how incredibly resilient and strong these children were and the second how critical, important and outstanding this organization was. They serve an important need, and do it well.
Okay so first of all I work for CoachArt so I might be a bit biased. However, I work for this organization because it restores my soul. Every day I come into the office I encounter a story of a volunteer, a child or a donor who's been transformed by the tremendous work we do. It's not easy to find a job that transforms you in a positive way.
CoachArt offers the A,B,C,D's in the best way possible.
The kids are the "A's" -- Awesome, Achievement driven, Aspiring. The staff is caring, committed and community driven (the 3 c's); the board is dedicated, daring and donor driven, they have the 3 d's); and the new people that come in -- well they are our "B" group -- bold, bodacious and brave.
That's the group you fit in when you get involved in our community of care. Join us if you dare!
From my first day with CoachArt I got involved. By the end of the first week I was a volunteer, board participant, kid at heart and a donor.
Get your heart in the game at CoachArt! It will be the best thing you can do for your spirit.
I have worked for CoachArt since January. My entire employment history is with non-profit organizations, and I have never worked for an organization that has as much vision, clear direction, and staff who are committed to that vision and direction. At the same time that CoachArt deeply cares for the well-being of its students, it also cares for the well-being and sustainability of its staff. I am so glad to have found a great employer with such an important and meaningful mission.
My son Blake has been involved with Coachart for almost three years. He takes golf lessons every week with the most caring, dedicated, heartwarming coach. Beyond the golf lessons, his coach Al has become a member of our family and takes care of Blake just like an uncle would. Coachart has given Blake a sense of pride that he can excel in something and has inspired him to have a life dream......to become a professional golfer. Something to strive for and look forward to. We all look forward to the lessons every week so we can get together with friends. An AMAZING organization!!!!
Our family has been involved with Coachart for three years now. They have been absolutely wonderful to my son, Grayson. He has been taking golf lessons and been able to get out and be independent when he is feeling up to it. When he is not feeling good and is having tough times everyone is always around to support him through that as well.
The best part of Coachart is almost everyone involved volunteers their time, so you know their hearts are in the right place.
Coachart is not just an organization, it is now part of our family.
CoachArt has made it incredibly easy for busy people to find time to become a mentor, teacher and comrade to kids of all ages who are eager to learn something new and make a new friend.
It's not easy to find large chunks of time on the weekends or during the work week to volunteer my time at most organizations, but CoachArt lets me put together my own lesson plan, set up my own schedule with the family with which I'm "matched," and the rest is up to me!
It also is wonderful to express and use talents and skills that I have since had to put on the back burner (painting, collaging, music) and pass it on to a kid who might not ever have had the opportunity to learn it otherwise. Even with some of the kids who are shy or take a bit more time/effort to open up, watching them change week to week makes me feel like I've really done something special for his or her life, and will always be remembered for it.
And possibly the best part: During each session, my "student" has the chance to hang out, chat, paint, draw and learn without any reference or thought toward his or her illness. There's no discussion of it, no incessant "are you OK?" questions, and certainly no opportunity to feel bummed out even for a second. The kids get to feel regular and "normal" and take a break from their everyday lives, and I imagine it's a powerful breath of fresh air for them.
I have been working with CoachArt for the past few months and have really gotten to understand how they operate and why they do what they do. I have come to see the passion that the staff at CoachArt have in making a significant difference in childrens lives and can see how dramatic the impact is to the kids and families that need help. I do my best to donate time to help such a worthwhile cause.
Review from Guidestar
Coach Art is a great organization. I was most interested in participating in the one-on-one coaching sessions. The matching process is difficult, but the staff is flexible and worked with me to make it happen. The girl I am paired with for 10 consecutive weekly photography lessons is great. She was shy at first, but has really come out of her shell during our time together. This is a great organization with real ties to the community. I am proud to be a Coach Art volunteer.
CoachArt helps thousands of children each year by simply giving them a chance to be children. Diseases such as cancer not only hurt the child physically, it interferes with their ability to go to school, enjoy every day activities, and have fun with kids their own age. The volunteers at CoachArt aren't teachers or nurses, but caring young people who just want kids to be kids. My girlfriend and I have been volunteering for six months, and have truly enjoyed teaching photography, trying arts and crafts, but above all just making them laugh!
Coach Art has been an invaluable resource for chronic and terminally ill children to learn and experience the healing, therapeutic, and inspiring of art. Through their programs with the students, there's always alot of great energy that is produced that is never shared with the public. For this reason, I decided to host an annual art exhibition focusing on the students and the results of their lessons with their coaches. It is an opportunity for students to look forward and see the impact that they can have on the world through the practice of making art...
I was introduced to CoachArt last year after accepting an invitation to their fundraiser event. I’ve always had a soft spot for children and any organization that assists in the creative and intellectual development of children gets an A+ in my book. Children ARE our future and how we nourish them today is a reflection of how successful and bright our tomorrow will be. I salute CoachArt because they believe this and realize that ALL children are included in this statement. With the help of their amazing volunteers, CoachArt offers free lessons in art and athletics to children with critical illness AND their siblings. I can’t imagine what the families must endure having to care and provide for a child with a critical illness but I know that with the help of CoachArt some of their stresses are alleviated. I had the honor videotaping and seeing CoachArt in action when the children were matched with a local baker. The children were given the task of making cookies and pies from scratch and boy did they succeed! The volunteers were great with the children and the children loved every minute of it; from mixing the ingredients, to placing the dough in the oven to decorating the final products. After witnessing all of the smiles and laughter around the room, you couldn’t help but to erase any since of unhappiness or stress. At that point I think we all had the care-free spirit of a 5 year old! There are many occasions where we can read an organizations mission statement but seeing it in action is another story! CoachArt is an amazing organization and I wholeheartedly believe in their vision because I’ve seen it in action.
I attended a fundraising event that CoachArt held at USC's African American museum. It was a great event. I met inspiring people who are truly passionate about their involvement in CoachArt and even made me interested in becoming involved. The event was also very modern and well thought out. It was refreshing to see a philanthropic organization be so hip.
I've been with coach art about a year and its been an amazing experience! You can get involved as much or little as you want. I signed up and didn't really know what I was getting into. I didn't think I had the skills it took to be a coach so started with the in hospital workshops. After a few months the girls called me and asked if I'd be willing to teach art to a 5year old girl...ART! hmmm I am no artists, the girls at Coach Art assured me I was capable...so I did it. It was AWESOME! Not only did I show up the first day and this little 5 Year old was sooooo excited to see me she had an entire wall of art to show me. She was an artist and I knew I was going to learn a thing or two from her. We started with the colors of the rainbow and moved onto self portraits in the later weeks. We learned from each other every week and grew together as artist. It was special and honestly I couldn't have asked for a better match...so don't be shy if you aren't a professional at the specific subject the child wants to learn, just you being there and having fun makes a difference. ---britt
I was introduced to CoachArt by a friend, Jennifer Lafferty, while she was curating an art show for some of the coaches & students. I decided to help out a bit, and during that process I was introduced to all that CoachArt was about My friend is clearly very passionate about the organization (she now works for them) but I had yet to formulate an opinion, I was simply helping a friend out at that point. However, after learning more about CoachArt and what they do, and also meeting different coaches and, of course, the kids that are being helped out through CoachArt (via the art show) I was hooked. What they do is so important to these children and their families. CoachArt not only brings smiles and happiness into their lives when there isn't much to smile about, but they are also giving them confidence to go out and do what they want. Since I am a business owner, my own time is limited and I haven't gotten a chance to volunteer, but my company has donated items for raffles and help out whenever we can. This is a wonderful and growing organization that touches so many, I am grateful to be a part of it, even if it isn't a large a part as I would like.
I was speechless upon attending my first CoachArt event. I went to the art gala featuring the works of the CoachArt kids. Simply amazing describes it best. Their talent was phenomenal - and so were the kids. The young talent I met there that evening was unforgettable. Talented, poised, confident, joyous, and excited. Despite their circumstances, the best of them shined that night, inspiring and motivating all who were present. Equally incredible was the staff of CoachArt and the volunteers. Their passion and commitment to the kids and the mission of the organization left an indelible mark on me. My second event was the CoachArt mixer for volunteers. I loved meeting everyone and was impressed by the talents/skill they offered to the kids of CoachArt. I met artists, writers and even a chess player! How cool is this! Great job CoachArt.
Working with CoachArt is an experience like no other. As a volunteer, I received the opportunity to teach an underprivileged young boy about the art of filmmaking. Just seeing his focus as I was explaining what different camera angles are was quite an inspiration to me. I would absolutely love to work with CoachArt at any time during the future.
All organizations do great things, but CoachArt goes above and beyond. I've personally seen what great it does by volunteering in the office as well as have a sibling that was serviced by this great non-profit. The employees and volunteers really care about what they're doing which shows through their hard work and the patients, siblings, and families that are serviced by them.