Our Mission

ArtHelpsHeal is preparing to provide another 125 specialized backpacks full of stimulating and challenging art activities and supplies to long-term hospitalized teenagers. Teens are a particularly underserved hospital population. While most people enjoy donating toys and stuffed animals to younger children, teens are overlooked. Teenagers struggle with the loss of identity, socialization, freedom, and friends which are common in a hospital setting. These afflictions especially impact teens as they transit to adulthood. Recent research has demonstrated that creative art experiences add dimension to their lives and help speed their recovery. The ArtHelpsHeal curriculum is based on Illinois State Learning Standards.