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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.
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DrawBridge is a creative arts program for homeless children and youth, operating in six counties in California that include San Mateo, Alameda, San Francisco, Sonoma, Santa Cruz and Marin Counties. 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.
Ms. Simoneaux 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, under Simoneaux's leadership, 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.
Our Future
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