Local Programs

Art Groups

The heart of the DrawBridge program is the art group. Through drawing, painting, ceramics and collage, feelings that traumatized children share of shame, guilt and despair are made accessible.

Each week, DrawBridge staff and volunteers use a variety of artistic media to enable children to rediscover the playful creativity that is at the core of healthy development. Painting, ceramics and collage are the primary media used.

Trained DrawBridge group facilitators use art to transform these emotions into feelings of hope, initiating both an emotional recovery as well as a meaningful dialogue with parents, teachers and shelter staff.

Facilitators are non-directive in their approach, allowing children to establish their own direction, pace and depth of self-exploration. The acknowledgment and compassion conveyed by DrawBridge staff and volunteers encourages the freedom to express any and all feelings, which is instrumental in confidence building.

Volunteer Locations

San Francisco County Hamilton Family Center Hamilton Family Transitional Housing Salvation Army Harbor House Columbia Park St. Joseph's Village La Casa de Las Madres Mercy House Dream House, JFCS Jones and Turk Streets Burt's Children's Center Family Crossroads (South San Francisco) Alameda County Harrison House Henry Robinson Multi-Service Center Marin County Seasons of Peace Group - Canal Welcome Center Bahia Vista Elementary School - Canal Houseward Bound - Motel 6 Marin Abused Women's Services Family Resource Center

San Mateo County Redwood Family House CORA Emergency Shelter Haven House First Steps for Families Santa Inez Apartments Sonoma County Catholic Charities Santa Cruz County Rowland and Pat Rebele Family Shelter Neary Lagoon Sycamore Street Commons / Neary Lagoon (Mercy Housing)