Every Monday, for the past six weeks, Malika Whitley hosts an art workshop for the youth living at The Drake House, a residential center for homeless women and children in Roswell.
Whitley is the founder and CEO of ChopArt, organization that aims to help homeless youth express themselves through art. “We provide a variety of programming including our signature program in which we work in medium-long term emergency shelters to offer art courses, field trips, mentorship and impact assessment,” says Whitely. The programming is offered to homeless shelters in Atlanta and also to youth in Hyderabad, India.
The program started in South Africa in 2010 as a music mentoring opportunity, and was taken to India in 2011 and run in the Affordable Private Schools for a year. ChopArt arrived in the United States in 2012 and has worked with shelters such as City of Refuge Atlanta, The Drake House and more. These workshops are led by community art organizations such as GloATL, Alliance Theatre and Wonderoot.
ChopArt was drawn to The Drake House, “because we want to reach out to shelters accommodating middle and high school aged youth for a minimum of six weeks,” added Whitley. After the six weeks’ art program at The Drake House ends, Whitley will engage in a theatre workshop at My Sister’s House.
“This kind of engagement is invaluable,” said Christy Merrit, program director for The Drake House. “Our kids have lots on their minds and in their hearts. Using art allows them to express that and at the same time, be proud of something they created.”
Through local leadership, The Drake House was started by the Roswell community to help single moms with minor children. Since its launch in 2006, the nonprofit shelter has helped over 250 families — over 450 children — get back on their feet for a successful life.
Volunteering with ChopArt helps the nonprofit maintain its mission throughout Atlanta. “We are always looking for instructors for our poetry, painting and photography courses,” shared Whitley. People and community organizations can also support workshop showcases, host workshops, or partner with ChopArt for events.
In the end, Whitely noted the importance of expression for the youth. “It’s imperative that our youth is able to express themselves as a part of their positive development into productive world citizens,” she said. “With ChopArt, we hope to restore some of their childhood and let them know that they are appreciated and a part of the community.”
To volunteer with ChopArt, send e-mail to Malika Whitley at chopartinfo@gmail.com
Story Update: On Feb. 26, Doing Good covered Brent Adams' goal to collect over 1,000 neckties for Ties That Matter before he left for Haiti on March 16. With the help of the community, Adams collected over 1,200 neckties for the Atlanta-based organization that teaches low income women to make and sell products created from recycled and donated neckties.
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