Last year, We Care Arts served about 1,200 people, from programming at its main studio location at the Berkeley Center in Kettering to community outreach locations.
It has a goal to meet the physical and cognitive needs of people with severe mental illness, physical and/or developmental disabilities, who are recovering from an acquired brain injury or are living with dementia through exposing them to art.
The organization now touches seven counties – Butler, Clark, Greene, Preble, Miami, Montgomery and Warren. Like many non-profits, its success depends on community support so it is seeking monetary help and donations so it can continue to thrive.
Spokeswoman Holly Studebaker said the organization teaches clients how to express their feelings and thoughts through art, and as a result, realize their own strength, courage, and innate creativity
“We do community outreach in local schools with the special education students, art on a cart with hospital and cancer infusion patients at both Kettering and Miami Valley, work with seniors in our Creative Aging program and more,” she said. “Those with emotional, mental and/or physical disabilities can come to our facility and create artwork which fosters confidence and empowerment.”
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Darlene Langhout, executive director, joined the organization in 2017, and explained that volunteers contribute more than 28,000 hours annually. She noted that the public has provided enormous support and that needs to continue for the non-profit to thrive.
Donating art supplies for our programs, or everyday items like toilet paper of coffee supports our office, staff and artists really helps,” Langhout said. “We have six bathrooms, and a full service kitchen where many clients eat lunch when they are at the studio. About 200 people throughout the week, including attendees and staff.”
There are many ways to get involved with the organization, she added, which includes donating art supplies for its programs or sponsoring a client’s program attendance.
“Purchasing art from our retail stores is another way to directly impact the artists. It increases their sense of self-worth, builds job skills, and supplements their income,” Langhout said. “The remaining proceeds from sales are used to support and grow ongoing We Care Arts programs.”
The organization has a boutique at Town & Country Center and a renovated studio and shop at its main location on 3035 Wilmington Pike. We Care Arts remodeled both shop locations in 2018, as well as, expanded studio space to take on more clients.
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The agency wants people to shop and engage with its community of artists including attending events and small community programs in the center’s studio space.
“We started up a community programming for the public in a series called ‘We Share Art!’ which aims to spread art lessons and guest speakers to our clients and the community,” Langhout said.
HOW TO HELP
Donated items can be dropped off from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturdays at the Berkeley Center, We Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, or call 937-252-3937 to contribute.
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