FREE ARTS NYC empowers youth from underserved communities through art and mentoring programs to develop their creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed.
The Need
Our Impact
Served 32,000 children and families and engaged 18,000 volunteers
100% of Teen Portfolio Mentees are accepted to a high school of their choice
Nearly 50% of Free Arts NYC youth are currently living in a shelter
Our Approach
PARTNER
with organizations and schools in underserved communities
ENSURE
each child and teen has the attention of a 1 on 1 mentor
CREATE ACCESS
to the arts and exposure to creative careers
BUILD
self-esteem, confidence, and communication, collaboration, & problem-solving skills
CREATE
a meaningful connection between youth and role models
IGNITE
a spark in our youth to pursue viable creative career paths
EVALUATION
We strive to provide the highest quality programming, and measure our effectiveness with two evaluation systems all of which are proven to to contribute to long-term gains such as thriving, decreased risk-taking behaviors,
and increased academics.
THE TEEN ART PROGRAM MEASURES:
6 Core Social and Emotional learning capacities through pre and post surveys designed by .Algorhythm’s iLearning System
- SELF-MANAGEMENT
- CONTRIBUTION
- ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY
- SOCIAL SKILLS
- POSITIVE IDENTITY
- SOCIAL CAPITAL
THE FREE ARTS DAY PROGRAM MEASURES:
The effectiveness in
growing protective factors,
which include
- CONFIDENCE
- COMMUNICATION
- COOPERATION
- MEANINGFUL
PARTICIPATION
“I first came to understand the crucial intersection of art-making and mentoring as a volunteer with Free Arts for Abused Children in LA. As an elementary school teacher in the late 90s, I saw opportunities for art education drying up. When I started volunteering at a residential care facility for boys, I was moved by how the children opened up while engaging with the arts and the volunteer mentors. These experiences inspired me to head back east and found Free Arts NYC.
With the support of a generous philanthropic family, I was able to launch Free Arts NYC as a one-woman organization. Nearly twenty years later, the organization has grown to a full-time staff of a dozen dedicated employees and developed a family of thousands of active volunteers. In 2017, our Teen Art Program tripled the number of participants and we’re on track to continue to grow our Free Arts Day Program to nearly 100 events this year.”
LIZ HOPFAN
Founder & Executive Director