Neighbor News
FOA Foundation, ART4KIDS, Inc. team to provide art supplies to kids in trauma
Festival of Arts Foundation's generosity helps ART4KIDS, Inc. give art supplies to children in trauma
During the past week, art supplies have been delivered to local children in distress by ART4KIDS, Inc., thanks to a $1,500 grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation. ART4KIDS, INC. founder Pam Schader, an artist and art educator, is committed to helping children who may be experiencing trauma, whether illness, family turmoil, poverty or at-risk circumstances.
Children served by the Laguna Food Pantry, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, CSP Child Crisis Residential Program, Even Start Preschool, and La Playa Center have received the nonprofit’s wide range of visual art materials.
“Children’s drawings are fascinating,” Schader stated. “Their images communicate their perspective of their world and provide a peek into the child’s experience.”
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Art expression gives a child a voice and provides insight to therapists and caregivers. Research has shown art therapy to be one of the most effective treatments for trauma. Visual art experience has been scientifically linked to the healthy mental development of young adults.
“Orange County abounds with wonderful philanthropic agencies which serve those in need by providing food, clothing, shelter,” noted Schader. “However, ART4KIDS, Inc. recognizes the value of processing trauma through art expression and meets this unique need. Art expression provides a vehicle for processing emotion and develops a valuable life skill. We are grateful for the Festival of Arts Foundation’s ongoing support of our mission: providing art materials for children in distress. ”
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ART4KIDS, INC. has helped 50,000 children – ill, hospitalized, abused, orphaned, homeless, or otherwise in distress. ART4KIDS, Inc., funded by private donations and grant awards, serves dozens of social service agencies in Orange County. Since 2001, the organization has made significant annual donations of art materials to Laguna Beach organizations that help children in need. ART4KIDS, Inc. welcomes new volunteers and donors. Learn more at www.art4kidsinc.org.
