Feel Good Friday - ArtBridge Houston

The world is full of Feel Good Friday stories. Since we've spent the last two weeks out of the country, it's time to bring it on home with an art program in Texas. Yeehaw!

The organization featured today is ArtBridge Houston. Founded in 1999, their mission statement from the website reads, "ArtBridge Houston provides therapeutic and expressive arts programs to homeless and at-risk children within a supportive and creative environment."

Last fall they offered 14 weekly classes in 9 local facilities. As explained in their vision, the hour long group sessions encourage "self-expression and nurtures imagination, hope and self-esteem while reducing the despair of homelessness and the effects of poverty." 

Therapists and volunteers have reported seeing children improve their communication, focus and cooperation with others as well as increase their ability to tolerate frustration. Since the start of the program, over 5,800 children have participated!

You can watch a short video about the program here and hear directly from co-founder Jo Ann Williams at this link.

If you live in the Houston area you can sign up to volunteer and no matter where you are, you can always make a donation of cash (or crayons!) to support homeless youth and the arts. For the latest and greatest, like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter @ArtBridgeHou