Arts In Reach

AIR’s mission is to inspire girls and gender-expansive youth to build confidence, elevate their voices, and create the lives they imagine. AIR is an evidence-based youth development program rooted in trauma-informed approaches that utilize the arts as a vehicle for building confidence and self-sufficiency, providing positive outlets for self-discovery, and for fostering belonging. Our goal is to help teens build the protective factors that actively mitigate the potentially life-long effects of ACEs by providing community-based mental health support, creative expression, and interpersonal connections that promote hope, resilience, and healthy life-long outcomes. We approach program development with 5 key goals for our teens: 1. Develop new art skills and gain confidence; 2. Recognize art and creativity as a method of overcoming personal struggles; 3. Become more culturally aware through exposure to artists, art venues and community service; 4. Develop life goals and investigate career opportunities; 5. Build healthy relationships with themselves, peers, and adults.