Young At Art Museum has received a challenge grant from the Salah Foundation to support two of the museum’s outreach programs for at-risk youth and teens -- ArtREACH and Girls ‘N Power.

Young At Art’s challenge grant campaign, which runs through May 31, will be matched up to $25,000 by the Salah Foundation, whose mission is to support non-profit organizations in the United States that strengthen families and communities and advance individuals to become productive and responsible citizens. In addition to the challenge grant, the Salah Foundation also has also made a generous commitment in support of YAA programs.

“We appreciate the support of the Salah Foundation, particularly in addressing the needs of at-risk youth and teens in our community through two of our most important outreach programs,” said Young At Art Museum Executive Director and CEO Mindy Shrago. “This grant will allow us to strengthen the museum’s mission to serve everyone in our community. Through the creation of art, children of all ages develop self-confidence, interpersonal skills, creative thinking and respect for others as well as learn to cope with stress, hopelessness and fear.”

A model program that has been recognized nationally and heralded by the New York Times, ArtREACH is a free, afterschool art, literacy and academic enrichment program for homeless youth and teens, ages 5 to 15, living in Broward emergency and transitional shelters.

The partnership with Broward District Schools’ Homeless Education Initiative and shelters includes Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Broward Outreach Center North and South, Hope South, Plymouth Colony, Women In Distress and The Salvation Army.

The program is conducted at the new Sunland Park Academy in Fort Lauderdale in proximity to shelter partners, providing an educationally stimulating environment with full use of the school’s art classroom, computer lab and nearby park to engage youth in outdoor physical activities. ArtREACH provides a multi-layered approach to educational enrichment and emotional support through the creation and exhibition of meaningful artwork, strengthening of literacy skills and homework tutoring by school district-certified teachers, cultural field trips and more.

Girls ‘N Power is an arts-based academic enrichment program conducted at the PACE Center for Girls, a non-residential treatment program and high school for at-risk teens in Wilton Manors. Girls ‘N Power infuses art into PACE’s life skills curriculum by addressing an at-risk girl’s underlying behavioral issues, such as low self-esteem, poor self-image and poor decision-making. The program empowers teens to use the creation of art as a tool to find their voice and self-worth. The result is a girl who grows into a confident woman, stays in school, graduates and becomes a productive member of the community.

For more information about or to support the Salah Foundation challenge grant, contact Hannah Hausman at 954-424-5018 or email hhausman@youngatartmuseum.org. For more information about Young At Art Museum, please call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.