Beginning in May 2019, a group of individuals who had been involved in the Housing First Photovoice Projects decided to form an arts hui (group) that focuses on using art to encourage community and individual wellness and to advocate for marginalized members of our community. The group meets monthly to talk story and create art that empowers.

As program coordinator of the Women’s Wellbeing Initiative from 2011-2014, I helped plan and facilitate arts and digital media-based workshops for young women who were participating in the Lexington County Juvenile Arbitration – a diversion program that aims to keep youth out of the formal justice system by issuing community-based sanctions. These workshops use art to promote engagement with and discussion of everyday issues these youth face. These workshops are still ongoing. More information available here.