About DrawBridge

Our Mission

The mission of DrawBridge is to provide art programs for homeless and other vulnerable children in an environment that fosters their sense of joy, creativity and exuberance. Beyond that, we strive to promote the well-being and stability of family by creating a supportive community in which children help other children, establishing a lifetime of giving.

Our Philosophy

The guiding force behind DrawBridge's philosophy is our profound respect for the innate wisdom of young people. Our views are similar to those of psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987) who stated, "The client knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial and what experiences have been buried." Central to our philosophy is the belief that the experience of being understood and valued gives children the freedom to grow. Through art, children can release the build-up of potentially destructive emotions. The nonjudgmental and loving support of the DrawBridge staff enables the children to rebuild a sense of control and self-worth.

Our History

DrawBridge is a creative arts program for homeless children and youth, operating in seven counties in California that include San Mateo, Alameda, San Francisco, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Marin Counties (view program locations >>). DrawBridge was founded by Gloria Simoneaux, who adapted her seven years of experience in art therapy work with terminally ill children to serve the very different population of homeless children.

DrawBridge's founder developed a highly effective method of using the creative arts to help these children and youth work through the complex emotions associated with homelessness and family dysfunction. Art groups using this method were initially offered at two emergency shelters –– the Hamilton Family Center and at the Marin Housing Center. Social workers, community leaders, and formerly homeless parents had an opportunity to observe the transforming effect of this process on the lives of homeless kids during the three years in which this program was developed.

In late 1991, these individuals joined together to create DrawBridge as a vehicle to expand this work. Today, DrawBridge has dedicated itself to mitigating the appalling effects of homelessness on children who are now residing –– often for months at a time –– in the Bay Area's emergency facilities.

In December 2007, Gloria Simoneaux retired her role as Executive Director. The DrawBridge Board of Directors hired Pamela Morton, formerly with the Marin Arts Council, as the new Executive Director in January 2008. Ms. Morton has an in-depth knowledge of DrawBridge gained by her service on the board, coupled with a background of 15 years in nonprofit arts agency management, specializing in program and financial management.

Our Future

The plan for Drawbridge in 2008/2009 is to strengthen the organizational capacity to provide a sustainable future for our art programs and facilitator trainings serving homeless children. If you are interested in becoming involved with DrawBridge as a volunteer or board member, have an interest in hosting "Through Our Eyes," the DrawBridge traveling art exhibit, or want to make a donation, please contact us for more information.

Non-Profit Status

DrawBridge is a private, non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 status through the IRS.