Field Notes: Successfully Connecting Despite the Distance
Last spring, when DrawBridge facilitators and volunteers could no longer provide in-person support for children who are underserved or experiencing homelessness, our program team quickly pivoted to hosting art groups via “Zoom Rooms.”
Meet Tracy Bays-Boothe, the New Executive Director of DrawBridge
Accomplished arts educator and non-profit leader joins Bay Area organization.
Staff Profile: Sarah Yazdani Makes Art Happen
Sarah Yazdani, Program Manager of DrawBridge, has been guiding the art groups for over a year now, and what a year it has been! Sarah is both a social worker and an artist, so she intrinsically understands the value of expressive art groups. I always had art around me growing up, and still love to […]
Community Connections: DrawBridge + Twitter
On your markers, get crayons, and go! Pens, paper and imaginations dominated the DrawBridge/Twitter for Good virtual art group, with drawings made by Twitter employees and their children. DrawBridge Facilitator Marianne Owens and Volunteer Jill Hoefgen led 50 participants through a variety of inventive warm-up exercises, including coloring hand silhouettes, abstract line doodles, one-minute speed […]
Keeping Connected During Covid-19
In spite of restrictions required by shelter-in-place, DrawBridge is working to make sure the children we serve are still supported and have access to art experiences. About 275 personalized care packages with art materials and project ideas have been packed and delivered to many of our sites, with 190 more in the works. […]
Marriott Marquis Partners with DrawBridge to Support Local Community
With a strong commitment to making a positive impact in its SoMa neighborhood, San Francisco Marriott Marquis has partnered with DrawBridge to raise awareness and funds in support of the city’s growing number of homeless children.
Enriching Life Through Art
Growing up, Blake Jordan was a budding artist who struggled alone to express himself creatively. As an adult, he was instantly attracted to DrawBridge. “Art provides a medium for safely expressing emotion and creates opportunities for connecting with others, which can be challenging for kids.” Creative exploration can help build confidence, and DrawBridge provides the setting for that exploration to nearly 1000 homeless and underserved kids each […]
A Few of Our Favorite Things
When our Facilitators and Volunteers were asked what they liked most about DrawBridge, several themes emerged. The most frequent of these was the positive impact the art groups have on the children who participate, and how they supported and uplifted them: “The opportunity that DrawBridge offers children goes well beyond art. It builds relationships, trust, […]
Giving and Receiving
Running a weekly DrawBridge art group can be both challenging and rewarding. Facilitators and Volunteers bring their creativity, patience, compassion, humor and generosity to each session, supporting and uplifting each child’s artistic exploration. For those who run more than one group, the challenges and rewards are multiplied. Susan Peterson facilitates three groups each week, and […]
Step into the Shoes of Dante Pettis – and Own Them!
49er Wide Receiver Dante Pettis has chosen DrawBridge as the recipient of his NFL My Cause My Cleats campaign. The shoes he wore during the December 16th game against the Seattle Seahawks (Niners won!) are now being auctioned, with proceeds going to DrawBridge art programs for homeless and underserved kids. The cleats are emblazoned with […]
