<![CDATA[SEE BEAUTIFUL™ - Blog]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:36:17 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Restoration Atlanta]]>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:27:24 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-restoration-atlantaThe feature below is brought to you by Restoration Atlanta, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click  here.

To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
Since 2013, Restoration Atlanta (RATL) has been a space for families in crisis to be seen, known, and loved. We exist because we “See Beautiful” in those around us, and we want to uplift the beauty of others in all that we do. Serving families experiencing homelessness, clients often come to us in the midst of feeling beaten down by the world around them. They have oftentimes lost hope in themselves, and their ability to see beauty in themselves. While we cannot be anyone’s savior, what we can do is remind individuals of their beauty. We can see them as they are, accept them as they are, and walk together.

At RATL, we have always believed that resources and relationships bring restoration. We strive to be a respite for families. While we provide tangible resources, we also believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. There is a correlation between homelessness and poor mental health, and individuals facing poverty do not have equitable access to mental health services. According to Forbes Health, the average cost of one therapy session in the U.S. is $100-$200. At RATL, we believe that receiving mental health support should be easily accessible. Thanks to generous supporters such as See Beautiful, we are able to provide care during our programs to students and their parents.
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Recently, we had a mother arrive to pick up her children from the RATL After School Program. With tears in her eyes, she asked if I could talk with her. She shared a lot of heartache with me, the current struggles that were weighing her down, and she even identified that she could really use counseling services. In previous years, I would have had to go on a long journey of referring her to other agencies. If I’m being honest, the referrals are rarely successful. At times, we felt helpless witnessing the immense need for mental health support, yet were unable to provide support ourselves or find alternative options for families. The reality is that there simply are not enough services to meet this demand. Thanks to organizations like See Beautiful, I was so grateful to offer this mom immediate services on-site, at no cost. I am able to have the peace and confidence that we don’t have to just sit back and apologize that “everywhere is full.” We can say “yes” to creating equitable access to mental health.
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A quote from Eric, weekly on site therapist, about the impact he has seen the Mental Health Program have on RATL students - “The value added by including a mental health program is something I view as vital and such a privilege to provide to RATL. Through this program, I have witnessed firsthand the growth that it has fostered in the rather short time it has been enlisted. I’ve watched kids go from instantly reactive to slow to anger. From quiet and alone to connecting strongly with their peers. With these students also coming from low SES backgrounds, giving them a resource like this allows them a place to process, connect and grow from possibly traumatic or difficult circumstances in a safe setting with peers who might be going through similar situations.”

Submitted by: ​Anna Jackson

]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Love Beyond Walls]]>Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:42:23 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-love-beyond-walls​The feature below is brought to you by Love Beyond Walls, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click  here.
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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In 2019, Love Beyond Walls launched the Dignity Museum in response to a growing trend in laws and ordinances across the country that create challenges for those without homes in public spaces—fueling mistreatment and fear towards these individuals. Numerous cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, Denver, Austin, Miami, Portland, Honolulu, and Las Vegas, have enacted these types of anti-homelessness laws.

These laws encompass restrictions that hinder life-sustaining activities, even when resources are unavailable. They include anti-camping regulations, constraints on sitting or lying on sidewalks, bans on begging or panhandling in specific areas, restrictions on living in vehicles parked on public streets, limitations on distributing food to unhoused people in public, prohibitions on sitting or lying down in designated areas, rules against storing personal belongings on public property, anti-loitering laws targeting homeless populations, and measures prohibiting sitting or lying down in specific public places. These anti-homelessness laws infringe upon the ability of unhoused people to sit, stand, access restrooms, carry belongings, or even find secure places to sleep. This trend has also led to an unfortunate increase in negative perceptions of this population, creating the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) mentality that we see.

The Museum was created with the aim of humanizing the experience of homelessness and educating people about the other side of this issue, in an effort to build empathy and inspire solutions to help people escape this plight. Housed in a shipping container, it provides an immersive experience that centers the voices and stories of unhoused people, providing a platform to address these issues and emphasize the unique experiences of each person. Love Beyond Walls firmly believes that every person’s story matters and that homelessness itself is not a monolithic experience. Over the past 5 years, Love Beyond Walls has welcomed more than 10,000 guests, each of whom has been challenged, educated, and inspired to become better community members for those without addresses.
One of the most profound outcomes observed is the real-time shift in attitudes and perspectives, a willingness to get closer to the plight through service, and even the generation of ideas to help serve those who find themselves without anywhere to go. When people encounter the personal stories behind homelessness and have a chance to meet those who are suffering, empathy occurs. Proximity sparks empathy and understanding, building a more compassionate community.

As Love Beyond Walls moves forward, the organization is preparing to expand efforts with the Dignity Museum. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a recognition of the critical need to relearn caring, compassion, and empathy for neighbors—especially those without an address.

This led Love Beyond Walls to conceive of The Dignity Center. This center will be a catalyst for innovative ideas and exchanges concerning homelessness, creating an immersive experience that brings the community together with love at the core, inspiring the generation of new ideas that can help people escape homelessness. It will provide education about homelessness, offer insights into its current landscape, and provide training to help create a more equitable world rooted in inclusivity and justice. The center's focus extends beyond immediate solutions, aiming to address the underlying causes and systemic challenges that perpetuate inequality and ongoing distance from this issue.

Love Beyond Walls is honored to have received the See Beautiful Grant, as it aligns with the mission of honoring every person's story and advocating for affirmation of the inherent worth of all people, irrespective of their housing situation. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Love Beyond Walls is striving to reshape societal perceptions and policies, ultimately creating a world where no one is invisible.

Submitted by: Dr.  Terence Lester

]]><![CDATA[Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra]]>Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:35:24 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/georgia-youth-symphony-orchestra​The feature below is brought to you by Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click  here.
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra believes that music is a catalyst for connection.

Founded in 2006, GYSO is the largest youth orchestra program in the southeast, encompassing five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, and several instrumental chamber ensembles. Gifted and talented elementary through high school age musicians from across the state are selected through competitive auditions. Our mission is to inspire young people to discover their full potential through creativity and performance, and to build and develop the discipline and spirit to accomplish their musical goals.

What that really means is that we believe music can connect these talented young people to the beautiful potential within themselves. Music is a powerful medium. Studying music has tangible benefits like problem solving, time management and collaboration. It is connected with gains in math, science and critical thinking.

But it also has benefits that are less obvious, but even more beautiful.
The joyful complexity of making music with others helps us connect with our compassion, respect and kindness. The calculated risks of live performance help us connect with our courage. 
Attentiveness to sound connects us to our ability to listen and understand others.
Music connects us to history, other cultures, and the complex relationship between composers, society and ideas. Experiencing live music together connects us to others in an increasingly disconnected world.

We believe that GYSO helps students see the beautiful in themselves and in the world around them, and we believe that all students should have access to this powerful experience. That’s why we’re so grateful to See Beautiful for this grant that will provide scholarships for students who might otherwise not be able to afford the opportunity. Increasing access to musical development in a nurturing and supportive environment means that more students will be empowered to create and be heard from their own experiences.

Music does more than simply entertain. It nourishes, creates conversations and strengthens community ties. We imagine a future where we can see, hear and value the beauty of each other and we believe that our GYSO students are preparing for that beautiful future now. 

Submitted by: ​Suzane Tucker

]]><![CDATA[Meg Wah]]>Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:26:02 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/meg-wah​The feature below is brought to you by Meg Wah, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click  here.

To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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Meg Wah, a non-profit conservation organization in Cameroon with a vision to see humans live and thrive in harmony with nature is committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, and peace in their conservation efforts. They believe in involving and engaging local communities, embracing diverse perspectives, and appreciating different cultures. By working closely with community leaders, indigenous groups, and marginalized populations, Meg Wah ensures that everyone has a say in shaping their conservation projects. They also prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment, creating an inclusive work environment where women have equal opportunities to participate and contribute to environmental stewardship. Through targeted training and educational programs, Meg Wah equips children and women with the skills necessary for active engagement in conservation activities.
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Education and awareness are at the core of Meg Wah's conservation practices. They organize workshops, community outreach programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to foster environmental literacy and promote responsible behavior. Collaboration plays a crucial role in their approach, as they actively seek partnerships with like-minded organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders to implement impactful and inclusive strategies. Through research and evidence-based advocacy, Meg Wah addresses underlying systemic issues, influences policy, and tackles environmental injustices. They advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, ensuring that equity and justice remain at the forefront of their conservation work.

Submitted by: ​Ako Peter Agbor

]]><![CDATA[Community Connections]]>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:26:43 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/community-connections​The feature below is brought to you by Community Connections, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here. 
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Community Connections was recently awarded a generous grant from See Beautiful, a philanthropic organization committed to funding projects that create more beautiful in the world. Thanks to See Beautiful, our agency has the opportunity to invest $2,000 into the Closet Connection, a place where children in foster care can find clothes and toys that represent their unique interests and tastes.

In adolescence, children are learning who they are, figuring out what they like, and discovering their skills and interests. Our goal as a foster care agency is to provide safe spaces where the children in our program can just be kids. In the Closet, children find t-shirts with their favorite princesses and superheroes, toys for building and playing pretend, and books whose stories take them to far off lands. The Closet Connection is a place of exploration and self-discovery, where the needs of every beautiful, unique child are met.

The Closet Connection is stocked with donations from the community around us, and we are so grateful that our friends and neighbors see the importance of this resource and give regularly. With this grant from See Beautiful, we have the flexibility to buy new items that our children need but that aren’t often donated. Items like new toothbrushes, cribs, and underwear are necessities for our families, even though they aren’t often in the donations we receive. Funding is essential to fill donation gaps and ensure a positive shopping experience for families and children in our foster care program.

Children entering foster care often come with little to none of their belongings, so we provide them with an entire wardrobe from the Closet, as well as comfort items like knitted blankets and toys. Providing these items allows our foster parents to focus on welcoming children into their home, rather than needing to immediately go out and buy essentials. The transition into foster care can be a busy and stressful time, but we simplify the process by having supplies ready, so our foster families can concentrate on making a good first impression.

We are open to providing homes for all children needing a foster care placement, but Community Connections specializes in providing quality foster care placements to children with medically fragile needs. Given the number of children in our program with medically fragile needs, we make sure a variety of clothes and toys are available so that children of all abilities can benefit from the Closet. Whether it’s the same pair of shoes in different sizes for our child with a prosthetic leg, or pajamas with an adaptive opening for our child with a feeding tube, the Closet is an inclusive resource for all.

We firmly believe there is nothing more beautiful than a safe and happy child, which is why we created a space where children can safely express themselves and their interests. Every time a child smiles, there’s a little bit more beauty in the world. The Closet is a place that inspires smiles and builds confidence, and it is made possible through a community of donors who see this as true. Thank you to See Beautiful for trusting in our mission. We can’t wait to work together spreading beauty through the Closet Connection.

Submitted by: Catie Williams

]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Suzy's Senior Companionship Services]]>Wed, 11 May 2022 13:35:20 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-suzys-senior-companionship-servicesThe feature below is brought to you by Suzy's Senior Companionship Services, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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Our Mission is to provide elderly individuals, individuals with disabilities, and veterans with caring one-on-one companionship and access to affordable health care. As well as assistance in utilizing critical community resources, we improve the quality of life of our clients, enrich the local economy and build profound intergenerational connections.

Since 2012, Suzy’s Senior Companionship Services (SSCS) has provided essential in-home services, medical care, food delivery, homemaking, companionship, and enriching activities to low-income seniors, veterans, and those with a disability living in northern Utah.

Our clients only pay what they can afford, and all our services are offered at subsidized and reduced rates.
Frequently the individuals we serve do not qualify for assistance for basic health needs. Our program fills the gap for low-income individuals in need and refers them to local agencies for additional support, like our local Council of Aging.  

The majority of the services we provide fall under three categories: Transportation (e.g., doctor appointments, pharmacy, grocery store), Personal Care (e.g., bathing, medication assistance, transfers), and Attendant Care (light housekeeping, companionship), but our staff is adaptable and frequently pivots to provide nuanced and individualized care to our diverse clientele.

Our extensive supportive services help our clients stay healthy, happy, and independent.

Submitted by: Suzy Larsen

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: 3D Girls, Inc]]>Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-3d-girls-incThe feature below is brought to you by 3D Girls, Inc. an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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My mother brought my sister and I to Atlanta, GA when I was three years old to build a better life. This city and particularly the women and girls of this city have my heart. Why? Because I see myself, my sisters, my former students and daughters in them. In 2008, I became a mother right out of high school. The stress of trying to balance a full-time job, going to college and becoming a mom was a lot! Thankfully, I was enveloped by a system of supportive mentors, teachers and leaders who would not let up until my potential had a chance to bloom. Not only did they safeguard me during one of my most vulnerable times, they also helped me accomplish my goals. Overwhelmed with gratitude, I wanted to provide that same network of support to young girls who did not have it. So I started my first mentoring group of eight girls, and from there, 3D Girls, Inc. was born.

3D Girls, Inc. is a non-profit created to educate and empower young women to be advocates for themselves and their families through mentoring, prenatal and parent education as well as social/emotional wellness. Our work is grounded in addressing the critical disparities that limit young women's access to educational tools, financial empowerment and health resources that are needed to thrive. We envision a future where the next generation of young women are self-sufficient leaders.
We do this through a number of services and programs. They include:
COVID-19 Relief - Emergency Assistance Program providing rental assistance, utility assistance and resources for new and expected families in metro-Atlanta.
Mom Circles - Through our partnership with Restore More, 3D Girls, Inc. is committed to equipping, empowering and educating mothers in the community with resources to support their social and emotional health.
Girls Link Up Mentoring Program  - The Girls Link Up Mentoring and Subscription Box connects girls to a community that nurtures their curiosity in S.T.E.A.M. and social wellbeing.

Over the past ten years, we have supported hundreds of girls and young mothers through these programs. We have been able to distribute over 200,000 diapers, wipes, blankets, and other essential baby care items to over 500 mothers through our outreach programming. In addition, we have hosted over 75 sessions bringing awareness to social and emotional wellness through creative healing. This year alone we have hosted 40 mentors that educate, empower, and advocate for 132 girls participating in our after-school programs. Not only that, we have provided over 90 families with emergency rental and utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Despite all that we have accomplished, there was still a nagging conviction that we could do more. There were still questions we needed to answer. After the young women and girls leave our programs, how can we ensure that they are safe? What about the girls who age out of foster care and do not have a home to return to? What barriers are impacting their graduation rates and them not completing college? How can we curve the generational poverty that plagues the women in our community so deeply?
The answer to our questions and this glaring discrepancy is, The Rose House.

The Rose House is an economic and efficient living program that provides multilayered support to transitioning mothers. This program provides access to transitional housing, support groups, work-based training, recurrent pregnancy prevention, individual counseling, and structured recreational programs. Each resident will have a continuum care plan that connects parents to early childhood learning resources, healthcare options, and other social services tailored to their needs. This housing community is designed to nurture women and children over a six-month period following the delivery of a baby. Through our coaching and engagement, 3D Girls, Inc. will focus on ensuring that residential clients are mentally, socially, and emotionally well and have the resources that need to thrive in motherhood. Our goal is to build a strong community that supports families who have been faced with obstacles to develop a plan for their future successes. It will undoubtedly empower them to become advocates for themselves and their growing families. 

This is truly a full circle moment for our organization. The Rose House will be a transitional housing facility, a resource center, office and the headquarters for all of 3D Girls, Inc. programming. The support of The Rose House will help women and girls build resilience and be a springboard for their dreams, much like my network of support was for me when I became a young mother in 2008. 

Submitted by: Raioni Madison-Jones
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]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Workforce Strong]]>Fri, 22 Apr 2022 19:14:01 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-workforce-strongThe feature below is brought to you by Workforce Strong Inc, an organization that is in the running to receive a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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WORKFORCE STRONG: EQUITY JUSTICE & HOUSING
Equity is often seen as the balance beam of fairness; sitting on the rock of empathy, swayed mostly by our collective culture of administered justice.

For many hard working, underrepresented communities in America, fairnesses feels like an illusion. Where the concepts of equal pay, living wages, home ownership and the American Dream are beyond reproach; Resting just beyond the horizons of debt, broken systems and an uneven playing field that has left the backbone of our communities unable to make ends meet. Over the years, the issues of social and economic disparities have become more compounded. As the rising cost of living, health crisis, looming artificial intelligence and technology continue to make demands for new approaches to advancing human development. Underneath it all, is a widening gap in educational achievement, workforce development skills, wealth and economic mobility, cumulating in a growing concern for the future of America’s workforce.

To reemerge our now marginalized workforce communities back into the global economy as viable business owners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, skilled worker and executives, the barriers to their success has to be intentionally addressed and undoubtedly brought down. True inclusion is based upon the authentic capacity to connect and true connections begins with access. By supporting the self actualization of our strengths, skills and capabilities more marginalized people have a greater chance to not only be invited to the table, but moreover to build new tables were equity, diversity and inclusion can continue to grow and exists, authentically.
The issues of skills development, underemployment and housing insecurity have distinct correlations as many workforce families that struggle to qualify for higher paying jobs are also challenged by the rising cost of rent and living. The preparation for the “viable jobs of the future” is no longer contingent on acquiring just a 4-year degree. The new market economy is transitioning to a skills based labor force. In order to remain viable and to purposely move our collective economies forward we must invest in advancing the capabilities of our workforce.

According to the Brookings Institute, before the start of the pandemic, 44% of U.S. families in 2019 did not earn an income that was high enough to cover their families’ living expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the low-wage crisis to new heights, as unemployed and underemployed low-wage workers—particularly women and people of color— prepared to face severe economic insecurity.
These insecurities were not just limited to earnings, but have led to a housing crisis that continues to displace many working familles, till today.

The new faces of homelessness are no longer the downtrodden or mentally unstable. They are, in fact, in this pandemic era, the American family and under-skilled workforce.

Workforce Strong Inc. is a Georgia based 501c3 non-profit organization that believes in intentional investments in our undeserved workforce communities. We provide rental housing assistance to underrepresented and or under-skilled workforce families and individuals, whom are pursuing either traditional or non-traditional educational pathways to strengthen their earning capacity and economic viability. In short, We House AmbitionTM. Our Rental Assistance Scholarship Program addressed income disparities in a deliberate way by administering a model that focuses on both housing stabilization and workforce development. We are deeply committed to closing the wealth, skills and achievement gaps that continues to be a significant barrier to access and inclusion—particularly for women and communities of color. Although we do not always have the privilege of an even playing field, education is a leveler that creates greater avenues to address social disadvantages.

Workforce Strong Inc also promoted financial literacy in support of economic mobility strategies, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization has a dual mission to: 1) provide housing stabilization for trade or tertiary education market in both traditional and non-traditional workforce development programs 2) assist in closing the skills gap in occupational demand industries and emerging business sectors. Workforce Strong Inc primary service line is housing support for trade, education and workforce development programs. Our model is unique to the market because we address both housing and workforce development in a catalytic approach designed to promote sustainable means of social and economic advancements.

In an unjust world, justice can simply be the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have options. Creating those options often times requires support, direction and an unwavering determination to achieve ones ambitions. Workforce Strong Inc believes in our current and future housing scholars. We believe that ambition is a driver that sets the tone for the journey ahead. And with the right goals the journey to discovering our highest purpose and capabilities can and will always be —a worthwhile investment in our collective community.

Written by Juliana Njoku

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation]]>Mon, 18 Apr 2022 21:01:38 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-kristen-amerson-youth-foundationThe feature below is brought to you by Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation was created in February 2017 to carry on the memory and legacy of Kristen Amerson. Kristen never got the chance to meet her potential or to find her purpose. Her family vowed to keep her spirit alive, which is the inspiration for the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation.

Kristen Amerson was a beautiful young lady who loved experimenting with fashion, make-up, and hairstyles. She was the only girl in a household with three brothers and one of her favorite activities was playfully teasing her brothers. Anyone who knew Kristen could see how gifted she was, and how much of a gift she was to both her family and her community. Kristen ended her life on Thursday, April 10th, 2014, at the young age of 11. Suicide amongst youth always leaves the family and loved ones wondering what more could have been done, and Kristen’s family is no different. There was never a point when Kristen’s family pictured life without her. She was a given, and they never thought she would not be with them. With increasing awareness of youth suicide, it is understood that no one can know the truth of what an individual is experiencing.

Kristen’s life was just beginning, and she never got the chance to meet her potential or find her purpose, but her life has inspired the formation and work of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation to spread awareness of issues including youth suicide, mental illness, trauma, and bullying. The hope of the organization lies in its ability to impact the lives of the local community and underserved youth who need support.
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The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundations believes that everyone’s life is beautiful and worth living. While our main focus is youth and adolescents, we value those above this particular age group and their lives. We understand that life is hard, and it has its challenges. We believe in equipping youth and adolescents with resources and tools to realize that life can be beautiful. The stories that we hear during events or lessons are not the easiest. When you hear of a child contemplating taking their life or dealing with issues that a child should not have to face, it pushes us to further our mission.

Life is made to be beautiful and to be enjoyed by all. We will not stop promoting healthier lives for youth. We understand the importance of our youth and adolescents and the impact that they can make in this world. It is our hope that as they matriculate through life, they are equipped to handle whatever they face. Be it societal issues, mental health issues, or even familial issues, they will have the necessary tools to assess the situation and be able to seek help if necessary. Life is ever evolving, and this is why at a young age, our youth and adolescents should be informed of healthy resources and skills to endure an ever changing world. Change can be a great thing and with change, a beautiful life shall be lived. 

Submitted by: ​Jasmine B. Knox

Write about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

]]><![CDATA[See Beautiful Grant Recipient: Paint Love]]>Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:05:38 GMThttps://seebeautiful.com/blog/see-beautiful-grant-recipient-paint-loveThe feature below is brought to you by Paint Love, Inc., an organization that has received a See Beautiful Grant. For more information about our giving initiatives, please click here.
 
To learn more about the featured organization, please visit their website here.
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 Paint Love provides extraordinary arts programming to empower youth and strengthen communities. Since 2014, we have served over 17,000 kids through nearly 100 community partnerships around Atlanta, Georgia. In 2022, we have already surpassed our annual goal of serving 2,000 kids. We have noticed a new openness to integrating arts into enhancing the wellbeing of communities and individuals — and we’re excited to respond.

Our newest addition to programming is our Artist Mentorship Program. This program was created to support aspiring-professional teen artists by pairing them with professional artists. Their conversations center on creativity and mental health, along with enforcing that being an artist is a viable career path.This program reflects Paint Love’s dedication to equity, to providing fair opportunities for young people. The students in the program are largely minority students from a Title-1 school– meaning students who have additional barriers to success. Our artists guide them through their internal and external resources and skills to overcome those barriers. We have noticed improved attendance, academics and engagement at school from their mentorships.
 
At the end of year-long work together, the artists and teens will create a piece together for their local community. This is an important step to our programming because it is a reminder to young people that their talents are valued and important to those around them. Their artist mentor guides them on working with a budget, creating a proposal and submitting it. This year, our matches are creating pieces for Austell’s Legion Field Park since most of the youth are attending South Cobb High School in Austell, Georgia. We have a few exciting projects to highlight:

-One pair, a visual artist matched with a musician, is creating a piece that includes a QR code of the teen’s songs. The visual artist has used her connections in the arts to have the student create an EP, before the end of her senior year, with a producer. This student was recommended to the program because of her indecision about her future. The student’s mentor has been working hard to encourage the 12th grader to keep writing and performing. They’ve been building a clear plan for her post-graduation life.
-A muralist and a teen graffiti artist have an exciting idea to spread positivity. With aerosol paint on large boards, they will create quirky characters with affirmations. This student was recommended because of attendance and mental health issues. Both have improved dramatically as his arts have been engaged in his education.
-Another match is working to line up spoken word performances together, as the artist encourages the student to continue to create poetry. They have both worked on self-confidence skills to perform.
-Another match is a visual artist and photographer. The artist will create a piece of the student’s photography. The young person (they/them) is a participant in Lost-n-Found’s residential programming. They have always wanted to be an artist. The mentor is encouraging them to use their unique experiences to create.



It has been incredible to witness these partnerships bloom. Both mentor and mentee have reiterated the power of long-term relationship-based art programming. We are excited to fill the art park with their work and continue to watch this program grow. 

Submitted by: Mandy Noa
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Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

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