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Rising Suns: The kids stay in the picture
Thanks to DrawBridge, homeless children have a permanent place for creativity

by Tanya Henry

The average age of a homeless person in the United States is 9 years old. Other statistics indicate that 100 million children live on the streets.

When living in an area as affluent as Marin it is easy to forget that amidst the McMansions and SUVs there is a much less privileged side to the county. It is safe to say that most of us give little or no thought to the issue of homelessness in Marin. But that is not the case for over 50 volunteers and 30 facilitators at DrawBridge who spend one-and-a-half hours every week bringing art supplies into homeless shelters and providing children with a safe and consistent experience where they can express themselves through art.

The San Rafael-based nonprofit was started 19 years ago by Gloria Simoneaux, who spent almost five years working with critically ill children in hospitals, helping them work out their feelings and fears through expressive art. Eventually the sad nature of the work took its toll and she sought out another population that was equally needy and vulnerable. Simoneaux found a place for her work with homeless children, and that is how DrawBridge came to be.

Newly minted executive director Pam Morton has only praise for Simoneaux, who stepped down in December. "Gloria is a visionary—this incredible program exists because of her," raves Morton, who enthusiastically promotes DrawBridge and says she believes the program is, in a word, "impeccable." Although Morton has only been in her position since March of this year, she is no stranger to Marin's art and nonprofit communities. She worked as the program director for 15 years for the Marin Arts Council. She also ran Marin Open Studios for 12 years. Despite her interest in art, and growing up in an artistic household where she developed a deep appreciation for the arts, she acknowledges that she herself is not an artist. But she loves children and is clearly devoted to improving their lives through her organization's innovative art program.

"We are always trying to bolster them and give them a sense of belonging," says Morton of the children DrawBridge reaches out to. "We want to give them a sense of visibility." Every week the nonprofit sends a facilitator and a volunteer to a shelter or center—such as the Canal Welcome Center—where they supply children with high-quality art supplies, project ideas and—most importantly—a reliable, consistent program. The children, who range in age from 4 to 16, are then given the freedom and the time (one-and-a-half hours) to express themselves in whatever way they choose. "What we create in these groups every week is a safe and consistent place for them to be," explains Morton, who says anywhere from seven to 25 kids might show up on any given week. DrawBridge adheres to a strong philosophy, derived from psychologist Carl Rogers, which takes an entirely nonjudgmental approach to the children's artwork. "We encourage them to tell us their story of their artwork if they want to. We ask them to be respectful of the supplies and others in the room. We just want them to have the freedom to do their art," explains Morton. The facilitators arrive with projects in mind, including collage ideas, clay projects, hot glue guns and various materials. But nothing is ever forced on the kids. Additional supplies are always on hand, including paint, paper, pencils, clay, etc., and the volunteers will encourage the kids to express themselves by putting their feelings on paper or working with clay—but ultimately it is always up to the kids to decide.

Showing respect (on both sides—facilitator and child) is another component of this program and is evidenced by the group's program director, Jackie Tabb. When she teaches trainers, she advises them that "we want to treat [the children] and serve them as kings and queens." On this same note, only high-quality supplies are purchased by DrawBridge. The group wants these children to feel empowered and respected by seeing that someone cares enough about them to give them the best.

DrawBridge is made up of a small administrative staff along with 28 to 30 paid, contracted facilitators. The number of volunteers is close to 60. San Rafael has been home to the nonprofit since 1989, however, the program is implemented in seven Bay Area counties including Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. "We match up facilitators and volunteers from the same community they serve," says Morton, as she stresses the importance of consistency for this vulnerable group who "might have a roof over their head, but they don't have a home." She also requires that all volunteers make a six-month commitment to ensure consistency and stability for the children. Trainings are provided every other month for volunteers and facilitators throughout the year. Often, special guests, including art therapists, are invited to trainings to offer their insight and expertise.

Morton points out that DrawBridge supports families by supporting the children. She recognizes that the kids her organization serves are highly vulnerable. "They are amazing, but there is an internal side you don't see." In keeping with the group's mission statement, it is Morton's hope to not only provide art programs for homeless and other vulnerable children in an environment that fosters their sense of joy, creativity and exuberance, but also to promote the well-being and stability of family by creating a supportive community in which children help other children, establishing a lifetime of giving.

To learn more about DrawBridge and ways to help, visit www.DrawBridge.org .