A Look At: Art as Healing for Asylum-Seeking Youth

Aug. 24th, 2021

Bringing Art Wellness to the Vida Sin Fronteras Program

Give Kids Art partnered with Human Rights First and the Western Union Foundation to deliver art wellness programming to asylum-seeking children through Vida Sin Fronteras ("Life Without Borders"). This social impact program provides essential support—education, mental health services, and community-building—for children and transitional-age youth (TAYs) navigating the challenges of resettlement in the U.S.

At Give Kids Art, we believe that creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and connection. Through our virtual art workshops and Art Kits, we provided children across California with a much-needed creative outlet during difficult times.

Why It Matters

Asylum-seeking families often face uncertain futures, legal challenges, and past trauma, making emotional support just as critical as basic needs. The Vida Sin Fronteras program was designed to fill the gaps in traditional social services by bringing together businesses, artists, and grassroots organizations to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.

Through our collaboration, we gave children a space where they could express themselves, build confidence, and experience joy through art.

How Give Kids Art Contributed

  • 🎨 Four Virtual Art Workshops – We led 1.5-hour interactive sessions that encouraged kids to use creativity as a tool for emotional expression and self-care.

  • 🎁 Robust Art Kits – Each child received a high-quality art kit filled with materials, allowing them to continue creating beyond the workshops.

  • 💬 Community Storytelling – Give Kids Art participated in "Human Rights First Presents – Supporting Asylum Seekers: A Panel Event," where families shared the impact of our work. One parent, Blessing, whose two children attended our workshops, spoke about how art has given them an outlet for self-expression and healing.

Spotlight Workshop: "Self-Care Happy Heart Art"

One of our most impactful workshops was "Self-Care Happy Heart Art," which focused on emotional well-being and self-love:

✅ We started with a discussion on emotions, heart health, and mindfulness, practicing hand-breathing techniques to center ourselves.
✅ Each child reflected on five things that make their hearts happy and assigned a color to each.
✅ They then decorated a hand cut-out using those five colors, reinforcing the power of personal joy and self-care.
✅ Finally, they painted five hearts on canvas using their chosen colors, symbolizing the importance of nurturing their own happiness.

This activity reminded children that loving yourself and making your heart happy helps keep your heart healthy, too!

The Impact

📌 Increased Emotional Well-Being – Children used creativity as a healthy outlet for processing emotions.
📌 A Safe Space to Create – Workshops provided a judgment-free zone where kids felt seen and supported.
📌 Extended Learning at Home – Art Kits allowed children to continue exploring creativity beyond workshop sessions.

Looking Ahead

We are honored to be part of Vida Sin Fronteras and remain committed to bringing art to underserved children who need it most. Thanks to partners like Human Rights First and the Western Union Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how art can help children navigate life’s challenges with resilience and joy.