Dear friends,
You need to understand … Leo was over it. The 11-year-old had lost his home, friends, and trust in an adult he once admired. Now, he had zero patience for doing art at the domestic violence shelter where he lived with his mom.
If forced to take part, Leo told his Free Arts mentor she could forget butterflies and glitter. He’d draw skulls with gooey brains instead …
But his mentor knew Leo was just hurting. She used her trauma-informed training to assure him that art was about his creativity. And that she’d be back every week with a new chance to self-express.
Right now, kids who’ve experienced trauma need your help. The transition back to school is stressful, and arts programs at their schools are reeling from budget cuts.
Please, make a gift of any size to Free Arts today.
With Gratitude,
Matt Sandoval, LMSW, MEd
(he, him) (why pronouns matter)
Chief Executive Officer
