FEAST’s partnership with Ruckus Roots began in early 2020 with a shared mission to promote wellness through healing arts and artistic expression.

The activities and programs designed by RuckusRoots incorporated themes around food and food access which was a great supplement to the work we do at FEAST. The RuckusRoots team is highly collaborative and creative at adapting to ensure programs mutually support the mission of the partner organization and the communities they serve. We were able to continue offering programs virtually during the pandemic as a result of their team’s due diligence and commitment to our partnership. Amy Vu, Programming Partner /FEAST Los Angeles

We are so grateful for your support for our financial assistance program. It has had a huge impact on our programs, especially for summer camp.

It is our hope that everyone who wants to attend can, as long as we have space. We do not want anyone to feel socio-economically marginalized. We believe that access to this kind of expansive learning and exploration should not be limited to those who can afford it. With help from the TahDah Foundation, we were able to give students full and partial scholarships to over 10 weeks of thematic camps. Julia Marchand, Program Director, Junior Center of Art and Science

Helping kids engage ecology through art was a great experience.

All of the activities were creative, well organized, and plain fun. I had a wonderful time volunteering with RuckusRoots helping with their Garden Magic program. Everyone from the kids, to the organizers, to the guest teacher were all a joy to meet and help. I look forward to lending a hand in the future. Alex C., Volunteer

RuckusRoots programs were amazing for my children!

It was so wonderful to see them excited to go to the garden each week. As a parent who home schools my kids, Garden Magic was especially helpful as it offered both art and science education, and got them outside in the fresh air. Sona, Parent

At the JCAS we also believe that camp is a special opportunity for children to create community and to create with community.

We design a collaborative curriculum that emphasizes building relationships. Our programs are designed to facilitate shared creativity in a safe space that encourages friendship. We are able to provide in-depth learning opportunities that are not included in yearly school and after school curriculum. Youth are able to experiment with novel materials and art techniques that are often unavailable at home or in school. Julia Marchand, Program Director, Junior Center of Art and Science

Arts Bridging the Gap has provided an empowering safe space for youth to utilize art for creative self-expression, developing empathy, and promoting mental resilience.

As a high school and elementary school social worker, I come across many students with depression. Lack of motivation in school tends to be the most prevalent symptom among students with depression. From what I’ve seen, ABG ultimately combats this problem by motivating youth to come to class and actively participate. Maria-Lyna Newman, Psychiatric Social Worker

I have noticed the impact this program has had on our students.

This program brings students who are having trouble academically and emotionally together with art and supportive teachers into a shared safe space. The students have increased confidence, to express themselves and to ask questions more freely. The program has also developed stronger student-to-teacher and student-to-student relationships. Students are more engaged academically and have been able to build a safe community with supportive mentor-figures. Yelena Ginko, Psychiatric Social Worker

What a great asset to the community!

I got to hang out with cute kids and adults who are inspired by nature. Together we learned about art, gardening, and each other. Alexandria, Volunteer

Thanks to the generous support from the TahDah Foundation, students were able to participate in spoken word and visual arts workshops for 10 weeks as part of the Arts+Wellness Program.

Arts Bridging the Gap facilitated holistic arts education to a group of 32 ninth grade students selected by a Psychiatric Social Worker, based on academic performance and social/emotional well-being. Each week, students developed wellness and mindfulness through empathy building, trauma healing, restorative justice, creative expression, and civic leadership. They collaborated through spoken word and visuals to create a meaningful design to be painted on on their school wall with guidance from a professional muralist. Ariella Kirschbaum, Programs Director

I feel so excited to plan a week of art making where we can dig into ideas and materials.

There is a lot of experimenting! Camp is also about the people in the room and what they bring to the experience. It is crucial that we have access for all families so that every child can have a rich and engaging experience that inspires them. Joey Rose, JCAS Teaching Artist

I am so grateful to JCAS for supporting our family through scholarships.

Each had a successful experience, made new friends, and had a sense of community. Without any extra financial assistance I would have only been able to have one child in camp. As a working parent this means everything. I don't have to take time off from work to care for my sons and I can continue to earn and know that they are getting a fun, creative, and thoughtful experience. Stephanie V., Parent

Thank you for giving kids creativity.

This course is a great idea! Thank you very much for the opportunity. She did this project with great inspiration, very enthusiastically. Our deep gratitude to JCAS. Olesia C., Parent