My wife runs a non-profit, a very not profit called RagCo, which works with things like connecting artists and youth, art therapy programs, sex trafficking victims, underprivileged youth, and even directly with Alhambra High School's campus (pretty unheard of in these times).
It was put into their heart to work with StreetlightUSA this year. Streetlight shelters and works with girls that have been prostituted, trafficked, even abducted and sold into street work.
The partnering of these organizations is to create an art therapy program for the girls in these shelters and hopefully other shelters to come. It covers a year of supplies, studio time, workshops, and artist training.
They are raising money to cover the minimum they need to get this program running for this year. The accrued goal for this project is $20,000. Using this fund raiser they are hoping to 1) Get the word out on this harrowing subject matter, 2) Get as many small backers and large backers as needed to reach the goal, 3) Connect artists to causes in our city.
They have set up a number of giveaways at set donation marks (as low as $15) to generate talk and awareness.
Even sharing this to your friends or church is a great donation in itself. Their video and flyers have been shared in 3 churches already and at a couple downtown events.
The donation website and info: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beautiful-voices-art-program
RagCo's info: https://www.facebook.com/RagCollection
Their promo video (shot in our house)
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In their words:
What is Beautiful Voices Art Program?
Beautiful Voices is an Art Program that The Rag Collection will begin this fall at StreetlightUSA for teen girls rescued out of sex-trafficking in Phoenix, AZ.
The Beautiful Voices Art Program will be a consistent weekly art space where each girl will engage at her own pace with media she wants to use, and with many creative options at her disposal. It is space, tools, materials and curriculum that invites each girl to enter the creative process, to begin to express, play, identify her personal voice, and dream about the future.
Why start an Art Program?
The horrible truth of the effects of abuse is that the voices of these girls have been trampled on in ways that severely hinder growth, identity, and restoration. We believe that the voices of these girls are not only valuable to our community, but also to themselves.
It is our desire to provide room and resources for each girl to rediscover, uncover, and begin to unbury the beauty of her voice. This process takes time, but art is another door to the heart that encourages this process.
Art is a tool that makes the emotions more accessible.
Art calms anxiety, fears, and the mind so that other emotions can be expressed and valued.
Art is fun.
Art creates a safe space for new connections with self and others.
Art is a healing tool that allows self discovery.
Art is a great way to offer these girls choices for how they want to be heard, seen, and what they want for their lives!