As we reflect on this year, our commitment to providing accessible, free art therapy has expanded to support even more youth. For the first time, young people make up 52% of those actively served, reflecting a dramatic 20% increase over previous years. The aftermath of the pandemic, the current political climate and the stress of housing and food insecurities have left their mark on the community’s youngest and most vulnerable members. 

In partnership with the NYC Department of Education this past spring, The Art Therapy Project delivered 68 sessions to 248 students, staff, and parents. Focused on supporting youth and families living in temporary housing, this programming created a safe, creative outlet during a time of great uncertainty. By providing accessible programs that encourage social and emotional learning, The Art Therapy Project helped strengthen the resilience and well-being of our community. This year alone, through October 2024, The Art Therapy Project worked with almost 600 children and teens. 

Why Early Intervention Matters 

The Art Therapy Project’s programs empower youth to address emotional challenges early. Whether stemming from food insecurity, low-income situations, or the pressures of growing up in a digital world, these services offer a vital outlet for expression when overwhelming feelings can’t be verbalized. Through the creative process, young people learn to manage anxiety, reduce depression, and build self-awareness.

How We #CreateChange 

"As an art therapist working with teens, my aim is to help them rebuild their relationships with themselves and others by providing a safe space to reframe challenges into positive experiences. Art therapy serves as a powerful tool for expression, allowing them to be seen and heard as they navigate struggles with depression and anxiety. Through hands-on creation, they rediscover the joy of working with tactile materials, encouraging them to slow down and focus in a world of constant distraction. This process encourages emotional exploration, builds communication skills, and presents a challenge to stay focused without shifting to something else. In the end, this time is a gift. The emerging process is their gift, and if there is an art product at the end, it is a gift, too."
- Melissa Cohen, ATR-BC, LCAT, The Art Therapy Project

Help Us Reach Our Goal

Support for The Art Therapy Project provides the gift of self-expression, equipping the next generation with essential emotional tools to navigate life’s challenges.