Letter From The Executive Director: November

She didn't win the costume contest. But what happened that afternoon was worth celebrating. 

Two years ago, an artist-client joined We Care Arts who preferred to keep to herself. She participated very little, often choosing to sit apart from her peers. Over time, something began to change. She started engaging in art lessons, connecting with her teachers, and eventually choosing to sit alongside other artist-clients. 

Then came our Halloween costume contest just last month. After spending a couple weeks creating a mask in class, she decided to enter the contest with her peers. When it was her turn to show off her costume, a fellow artist-client encouraged her to put on her mask and smile. She turned toward her friend, nodded, lifted her mask in front of her face, and presented her costume to the classes so they could vote. 

She didn't take home a prize that day. But she had taken another step toward connection, confidence, and belonging. And her peer had played a part in making that possible. 

That's the heart of We Care Arts. Not overnight. Not magically.  
But through art, community, and people like you, who continue to show up for one another.

This moment was just one of many during our Halloween celebration. Our fourth annual Trunk or Treat welcomed more than 460 participants, compared with approximately 75 in our first year! The festivities continued throughout the week with artist-client costume contests and a little friendly competition among staff decorating pumpkins.

But at We Care Arts, building community isn't something we save for special occasions. 

Just as our art lessons are thoughtfully designed around an annual curriculum, opportunities for connection are intentionally woven into the experience. From classroom icebreakers and collaborative art projects to our summer picnic, Thanksgiving celebration, and December holiday party, we create opportunities for relationships to grow. 

At Thanksgiving, artist-clients from different classes reconnect over a traditional meal. During our December celebration, they can invite a guest to experience the community they've helped create. And at events like Trunk or Treat, we open our doors to the broader community, strengthening the relationships that connect We Care Arts to the people around us.

Community doesn't happen in a moment. It's built through moments, over time. 

And the heart of We Care Arts extends well beyond our classrooms and celebrations. It includes the remarkable community of supporters who have stood alongside us for more than 40 years. Government funding can change with budgets, policies, and priorities. But through those changes, one constant has helped We Care Arts remain strong: 

Whether you support us through monthly giving, event sponsorships, volunteering, sharing our story, or making an annual gift, you help provide the stability that allows these moments to happen. Your commitment helps ensure that the opportunity to connect, create, and belong is here not just today, but tomorrow and in the years ahead. 

You are part of the heart of our We Care Arts community. 

That's the heart of We Care Arts. And you help keep it beating strong day in and day out today and throughout the year. 

With a heart full of art and gratitude, 

Katie Neubert
Executive Director