Art Therapy Program for At-Risk Youth

Executive Summary

The Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting mental health in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties. Our proposed project is to establish an art therapy program for at-risk youth with a target of at-risk girls, providing them with a creative outlet for expression, healing, and personal growth.

The program aims to address the mental health needs of youth who may have experienced trauma or faced various difficulties in their lives. Through various art forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, the program offers a safe and supportive environment where youth can explore their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop coping skills.

Through partnerships with local organizations, school systems, and libraries, we have been able to expand the reach and impact of the program. Collaborations with YouthLink Indiana, a comprehensive youth support organization, allow us to serve young people in the school system, providing them with additional resources and support.

We have also formed partnerships with Hope Southern Indiana, a faith-based organization, the New Albany Housing Authority, and Bree’s Blessings, which have provided spaces for workshops and connected participants with community resources. These partnerships have been critical in expanding our reach and ensuring the program’s accessibility.

In addition, we have established collaborations with libraries in Harrison County, Floyd County, and Clark County, providing additional workshop spaces and providing participants access to art therapy and its resources.

The art therapy program not only provides a creative outlet for at-risk youth/girls but also emphasizes the importance of involving the family in the therapeutic process. By bringing in the family for more intense therapy sessions, we aim to create a holistic and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth for both individuals and the entire family unit.

With a focus on serving at-risk girls, our program aims to address their unique needs and provide them with the support and tools necessary for their emotional well-being. By combining art therapy with collaborative partnerships, we believe our program can make a significant impact on the lives of these youth, promoting resilience, self-expression, and a positive sense of self.

We seek the support of Impact100 Southern Indiana to further develop and expand this crucial art therapy program, allowing us to reach more at-risk girls in our community and provide them with a transformative outlet for healing and personal growth.