Bringing Hope in the Form of Creativity
/Staying at home has been difficult for everyone, but what if a family has no home where they can stay? Organizations that provide support and temporary housing for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness are striving to keep some semblance of normalcy for the communities they serve. This week, we learn about a new COMPAS initiative to bring creativity directly into the lives of these families and youth.
COMPAS Teaching Artist Sarah Nassif built a sewing kit to deliver to shelters. Photo by Troy Linck.
“We may not be in control of the virus, but art can help us spend our time in ways that boost our outlook and help us remain hopeful,” says COMPAS Teaching Artist Sarah Nassif. “Art is our way of sharing culture, and culture is what helps us keep it together in the face of hardship.” Nassif was among the COMPAS Teaching Artists who recently designed and distributed individual art kits to shelters in the Twin Cities metro.
Back in March when folks around the state transitioned to remote working and learning situations, COMPAS launched new ways to bring creativity into the lives of Minnesotans. Early in the process, an anonymous donor stepped forward to help us provide creative experiences for the most vulnerable Minnesotans. This donor knew time was of the essence, so instead of waiting for COMPAS to raise money before donating matching funds, they immediately made a gift towards new services for families and youth in shelters.
“Since many people served by these organizations may not have consistent internet access, delivering art kits directly to these communities seemed the most accessible way to engage them,” says Program Manager Marlaine Cox, who has been facilitating the creation and delivery of the art kits. “Youth and families living in shelters during the stay at home order desperately needed art supplies and activities to help lower stress and anxiety levels.”
COMPAS Teaching Artist Anne McFaul Reid developed a Seed Art kit for Families and Youth in Shelters. Photo by Troy Linck.
Through this partnership, COMPAS was able to work with community organizations including Avenues for Youth, 180 Degrees, and LSS Metro Homeless Youth to bring individual art kits directly to people in need. In the last few weeks, COMPAS Teaching Artists including Sarah Nassif, Anne McFaul Reid, Christopher Lutter-Gardella, Shakun Maheshwari, May Lee-Yang, and Katrina Knutson have constructed and delivered over 400 kits full of ideas for getting creative with sculpture, collage, poetry, and more.
COMPAS Teaching Artists sprang into action. “I instantly felt emotionally lifted and driven with purpose,” says COMPAS Teaching Artist Anne McFaul Reid, who developed and distributed seed art kits. “When this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance to do something that might help others. COMPAS organized this operation with speed and precision so the most people could be positively impacted.”
Rachel Blair is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Avenues for Youth, where many of the art kits were delivered. Avenues for Youth provides shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for youth in Hennepin county. “Youth in our programs are anxious,” she says. “A lot of them were experiencing isolation before the stay-at-home order took effect… Art is, in and of itself, therapeutic and a great source of self-expression, and COMPAS’ timing was perfect.”
Looking forward, COMPAS hopes to continue working with shelters and community organizations. “COMPAS is seeking additional funds from individuals and foundations to continue the art kit project,” says COMPAS Director of Strategic Development Joan Linck. “Even when we can’t gather, it’s important for families and individuals working towards a better life to have access to meaningful activities that help them get through the current crisis and heal from past trauma. We’re also looking into making art kits available for anyone to purchase. For each kit sold, we’ll donate one to a family in a shelter. Stay tuned for details!”
Want to help bring hope to people in the form of creativity? Contact us if you are a community organization with specific needs or a potential donor who may be interested in helping us create more art kits.
