WHAT WE DO
MENTORSHIP WITH INTEGRATED ARTS
HEALING-CENTERED YOUTH WORKSHOPS
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAININGS
PROGRAMS
DOLL PLAY:
IN DEFENSE OF GIRLHOOD
These youth sessions provide girls ages 5-11yrs have an opportunity to uniquely advocate for their childhood through their shared interests in doll play. Peer discussions and topics of interest are cultivated and supported by a therapist leading the sessions. This effort aims to lower adultification perceptions in schools and family systems, by increasing awareness of bias and informing educators about how to teach in an environment where Black girls have an equal opportunity to succeed.
MENTORSHIP WITH ARTISTS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Since 2010, we have proven outcomes from our participants receiving long term mentorship from arts and mental health professionals. Students report improved coping skills and conflict resolution, and more than 80% of our participants report improved family or caregiver engagement. In 2018, more than 78% of our youth participants reported increased interest in arts as a tool to cope with short and long term stress. Over the years, we have observed students discover their gifts as "artists" for the first time. Our professional teaching artists work with youth in parks and recreation centers, juvenile and adult detention facilities, mental health centers, continuation schools, public housing sites, and faith-based communities.
HEALING CAPTURED
With the support of our professional visual arts teaching artist team that include professional photographers in education, entertainment, fashion publications and influencer industries, we are excited to offer photography with mentorship through the Healing Captured program. This effort engages parents, friends and community members to help youth sustain positive reflection narratives through photo journaling and documentation. Our instructors integrate the value of state of awareness, with positive memory snap shots of moments that rebuild more impactful connections with others.
(Photo By: Lead Teaching Artist - Gabriella Angotti-Jones)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALING INFORMED TRAININGS
CEF has provided state certified Healing Informed Care trainings to more than 2800K law enforcement staff, including Los Angeles County Probation Department. Other student participant agencies include Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) teachers, members of the American Association of Probation and Parole, and members of the California Probation Parole and Corrections Association. CEF teaching artists receive bi-monthly 8hr trauma informed care and health centered trainings.
