Voices For Children has established different and extraordinary opportunities for guided self-exploration through artistic workshops that are led by local photographers and artists. In the workshops, each small group of foster youth meet with the photographer or artist in one or two interactive workshops where they receive artistic guidance, information about the project, necessary supplies and materials. The youth then create their own “works” during the one or two workshops with the photographer or artist. At each final workshop, the photographer or artist assists youth to complete their own creations and helps prepare them for public display or possible publication.

Artist Carlos Rodriguez reviews sketching technique with youth at painting workshop	Shawn Marion distributes holiday gifts to foster kids
Teen warms up on the court with Miami HEAT	Artist Terje Lundaas teaches foster youth glassblowing process during glass art workshop

In 2007, Voices also added life skills workshops, offered exclusively for our youth preparing to transition out of foster care. These education workshops teach participants about nutritious foods, budgeting, cooking, meal planning for the hurricane season, how to prepare for emergencies, job interview skills, etc. and are geared towards young adults who, more often than not, have been in the child welfare system since a very young age, and will soon be living on their own.

If you have any ideas for future workshops or would like to get involved with our current Children’s Needs projects, please contact Dorothy Marin at 305.324.5678 or dmarin@voices4.org.