Arts Programs for Justice-Involved Youth

Using the Creative Youth Development (CYD) model, Civic Heart Community Services' Change Happens Anti-Gun Violence Arts program will work with 15 young people aged 10-17 who have been impacted by the juvenile justice system. CYD is a hands-on approach using arts and skills to support young people in their development, with an emphasis on creative inquiry and expression. Young people are their own change agents, with innate strengths and skills that can be developed through this art, leadership, teamwork, communication, respect for diversity, self-image, health and well-being, and their connection to others and society. This program seeks to achieve the following: 1) Creation of a youth-led anti-gun violence mural art with a launch celebrated by a song and creative arts expression; 2) A theater based summer intensive program to explore theater, music, dance, and/or other forms of artistic expression; and 3) Youth advocacy and “Speaking your truth” through storytelling to create a movement in our communities to speak out against gun violence.