top of page
Why 3?
healing justice and community care
According to Cara Page and the Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective "Healing Justice is a framework that identifies how we can holistically respond to and intervene on generational trauma and violence and to bring collective practices that can impact and transform the consequences of oppression on our bodies, hearts and minds." The spaces we create through Kids Create Change are informed by healing justice practices which means our programs are trauma-informed and our social justice work addresses mental health, wellness through self- and community care. We apply the knowledge and skills we have gained through our education, training and work in art therapy and counseling to these spaces. We challenge western approaches to wellness as the only path, and find value in healing practices informed by various forms of cultural and indigenous wisdom and tradition. We believe that healing is necessary to social justice work, and the act of care in all forms are acts of resilience and change.
community projects, collaborations and initiatives
Through a partnership with Connections for the Homeless Kids Create Change constructed carefully curated free 'shops' at the location where many families were housed during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The shop gave kids and families the opportunity to access books, toys, games, puzzles and art materials to utilize while sheltering in place.
Kids Create Change develops art-based community projects that engage all members in collective change making. We utilize storytelling, art making and creative collaboration to promote dialogue and shared experiences in the community. We promote kindness, empathy, and multiple forms of communication as a way to be inclusive of the youngest members of our community, and facilitate experiences where all are invited to build connections and engage in conversations that promote change.
​
We believe our partnerships with neighborhood schools, community organizations, local businesses, grassroots initiatives, and individual members of the community are essential to this work. These collaborations take the form of programs, workshops, exhibitions, and events that focus on young people creating art for self-expression, relationship-building, community connection, and social change.
​
See below for examples of our work in the community.
​
evanston art connects
year of kindness and non-violent action
kindness in action
community peace offering
bottom of page