In The Weekly Mentor Program a pair of caring adult mentors lead art activities with a group of youth at a Free Arts partner facility each week. Through the use of therapeutic elements, Weekly Mentors create a safe and non-judgmental environment where youth can freely express their emotions and feel successful. Curriculum for this program focuses on building trust within the group, exploring creativity and empowering youth to consider their futures. 

 

In 2009, 146 volunteers served 2,353 youth in 77 partner facility sites. 

 

Jared had had trouble communicating since he arrived at the group home. He just wasn’t able to put his thoughts and feelings into words. He struggled to communicate with his case worker, his house manager and the judge overseeing his case. One day, Jared's Weekly Mentor led his group in a project that required them to draw their fears. Jared was hesitant at first, but then began to create a comic strip depicting all of the fear he felt about the safety of his family and his future. After that, Jared began drawing pictures and posting them around the group home to let the staff and his house mates know how he was feeling that day. He drew pictures for his case worker and for the judge. 
Finally, through art, Jared’s thoughts and feelings were able to be heard. Finally, Jared had a voice.