ABOUT THE PROJECT
In early 2024, Friends of the Children engaged program youth in an opportunity to share their creativity through various forms of art and to experience powerful self-expression and healing.
Youth were guided by the theme of “Who Am I?” as they created art—visual, music, dance, creative writing—that represented their identity, culture, and belonging in community. In the end, youth were given the choice to submit their artwork as part of this youth art book, HeART of the Children.
The youth artists also developed their strengths in our core assets: Belonging, Finding Your Spark, Growth Mindset, Hope, Perseverance & Grit, Positive Relationship Building, Problem-Solving, Self-Determination, and Self-Management.
With over thirty Friends of the Children sites participating, we have organized HeART of the Children alphabetically by state, taking you on a journey across the country, meeting many of the amazing youth in the program. With each art piece, we include the title, materials used, youth’s name or initials and age, and the name or initials of the Friend who mentors the youth. Some artists chose to include a statement of meaning as well. Enjoy this inspiring experience!
THANK YOU
This youth art book was made possible by a generous gift to Friends of the Children from Greg and Michele Goodwin. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions from the Goodwin family.
I also want to express our sincere gratitude to our founders, Duncan and Cindy Campbell, for their vision, passion, and commitment to Friends of the Children. None of this exciting work would have been possible without them.
Thank you to the participating chapters and to the Friends of the Children National team for working together to create this marvelous production. Friends of the Children is proud to honor and appreciate the youth artists who engaged in this art project and had the courage to share their heart. We are so grateful to our youth who brought this idea to life. THANK YOU.
—Terri Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer
DEDICATION AND ART POEM
This book is dedicated to all the children we currently serve, have served, and will serve. Our vision is that one day every child who needs a Friend has one. Friends of the Children’s work is guided by building relationships on love and empowering children to reach their hopes and dreams.
“ART IS”
Art is like windows and mirrors. It reflects who we are,
and we see what is outside of ourselves.
Art is like water. It restores, heals, and gives life.
Art is an expression of mind, body, spirit, and soul.
Art captures the essence of our emotions, experiences,
and expressions of self.
Children experience art through the expression of their creativity.
All children benefit from art.
And children may use art as a path to healing, peace, and purpose.
—Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan