”The back door of the foster care system is the front door of the homeless system.
Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Creative Roots Project provides art programs for homeless and other underserved individuals, in an environment that encourages using the creative process as a tool for healing, personal growth, communication, and self-expression.
The Why
When I started working with children in Pennsylvania with behavioral disorders, majority of my clients were in the foster care system. Working with them in social settings, school and sometimes in the multiple foster homes they were being moved to, it wasn’t hard to see why they were experiencing emotional and behavioral problems.
After moving to Oregon and seeing the homeless population in the Portland metro area, I had the opportunity to volunteer as an Arts & Crafts Teacher with individuals who came from the foster care system. However, now these individuals were homeless youth between the ages of 18-25. These individuals had aged out of the child welfare system and experienced significant trauma after becoming homeless. National statistics show that 50% of homeless population spent time in foster care. The stories of how they came to foster care and became homeless varied, but they all had somethings in common. They were all trying to find themselves and their place in the world, much like many of their peers. Also, when they started to engage in an Art & Crafts project, they became happier and free from the constant stress they were under for a brief time.
Moving to the center of Silicon Valley in California, I was surprised to see the large population of homeless individuals present in the community. The Creative Roots Project uses art to strengthen individuals to get out of homelessness and other at-risk circumstances.
The What
Art helps increase independence, self-esteem and self-confidence. It helps heal and build resilience in tough situations. Youth and young adults need stable housing and support from caring adults, for healthy secure development. Unfortunately, children from foster care and homeless youth lack this type of support. Centered around these challenges and to bring awareness of how art heals in these environments, The Creative Roots Project aims to provide free art journaling and craft workshops to children, homeless youth and other at-risk individuals.
Each workshop provides a kit that includes: A notebook, a pencil, and a pen.
Want to help?
Contact us for more information on volunteer opportunities.