A CARE Story: How the Arts United One Family
Back in 2023, when the LBC launched the Creative Arts for Resilience and Expression (CARE) program at Caritas Village in Santa Rosa, something extraordinary happened that demonstrated how arts education can transform lives – not only for the students in the arts classes, but their family members and the whole community as well.
That first year introduced a drama class. The students collaborated on writing their own script, creating the costumes, and performing the play. LBC Board Member Tim Farley recalls learning about the impact of this CARE arts experience on one family:
“There was a mother whose child was in the program, and she saw all the joy that her daughter was bringing to their room every time she returned from the class. The mother was really interested in understanding why. After observing the class for just a short period, she asked to be included. The mother became fully invested in helping with the play.”
While the CARE program provides children with beneficial arts experiences, it also has the added benefit of giving parents a little time and opportunity to improve their own situation. According to Tim, in this case, it went beyond even that. “It united the mother and daughter in a positive, creative environment that celebrated their togetherness.”
CARE was launched in 2023 through a partnership with Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa and LBC to provide flexible, after-school arts experiences for school-aged children from high-risk environments. Critical to the program’s success is giving kids the benefit of a safe place to engage in purposeful activity during the afterschool hours.
The program has expanded from that first drama class to include weekly dance classes. Ultimately, our Education and Community Engagement staff envisions expanding the program with different art forms offered for youth of all ages.
“Though not to be confused with arts therapy, arts activities that encourage self-expression, creativity, and fun are therapeutic and healing opportunities for children who struggle with homelessness and poverty,” said Ashleigh Worley, Director of Education and Community Engagement. “Our CARE arts classes support their emotional and cognitive development, build self-confidence, expand communications skills, and bring joy.”
