First Post

For the remainder of the Spring 2018 semester, I will be volunteering as the artist in residence 4 hours a week at St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS). SAYS is a nonprofit organization that provides food, shelter, care and therapeutic treatment to children. For most of the boys, this is due to trauma and neglect. The boys are cared for and given a place to stay, and they meet with a physiatrist once a month. They also participate in group activities, go to school and are given chores. I will be volunteering on Monday and Wednesdays as an art teacher/mentor to host art classes. I will be creating an artistic environment for these young boys by bringing art supplies and giving a brief lesson about the materials.
On campus, there are three houses. Two houses have 8 boys each, ages 6-17.
There is also a Pre-Independent Living House (PIL) that houses 10 boys, ages 14-17.
The boys attend school, do group therapy, as well as other activities. There is a pool located on campus, as well as two basketball courts.
This week, I will be visiting to receive paperwork for volunteering, so no art lessons will be held just yet.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to take photos, or mention names because of the confidential nature of the program, but I will be posting about my experience here.

Here is the website:
http://sayskids.org/the-says-story/