Arts Program for Homeless Youth
On January 23rd, Lynda McInnes of the Moffat Family Fund and Heidi Benefiel and Suzanne Kay of Opus Framing & Art Supplies helped Directions Youth Services Centre open their new art studio—- a therapeutic space for youth to express themselves creatively while building their critical skills.
Directions Youth Services Centre provides Vancouver's youth who are homeless or living in at-risk situations the tools and support they need to go about making healthy, positive changes in their lives. Operated by Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Directions is open 24 hours and helps youth access the services in place to help them.
"The opening of this art studio provides the springboard for a whole new facet of programming at Directions," says Renata Aebi, Director of Youth Services for Family Services of Greater Vancouver. "We know, through research and experience, that the arts can vastly improve literacy and build skills for young people who are homeless. This arts program will provide youth with opportunities to not only build their skills, but also improve employment opportunities, find new talents, and in some cases, perhaps even help a youth to pursue a career in the arts. We are so grateful to Opus and the Moffat Family Fund— their support truly has opened the door for us to a whole new world of programming, partnerships, and funding opportunities."
Since the studio opened, Directions has learned of new funding enabling them to establish an arts program. This marks the first time that a program within Directions has been fully independent of government funding. With community help, Directions can move outside its mandated services to meet identified needs that will help nurture the potential of these youth.
"The support from Opus provides an outstanding example of the community working together to end homelessness!" Renata exclaims. Supplies for the art studio have been provided by generous contributions from Opus staff and patrons. Directions is now looking to establish a volunteer artist series in the centre, perhaps through workshops, artists in residence and other opportunities. By bringing together community artists with homeless youth there will be no question that the arts builds community.
For details about volunteering or contributing to Directions, contact Renata Aebi at 604-633-1472 or raebi@fsgv.ca For more details on Directions Youth Services visit www.fsgv.ca
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