DARLA

Since my last post, amazing things have been happening with DARLA, Developing Arts Resources and Literature for Adoptees. This is a program I have dreamed about starting for over five years and now I can see that it is going to happen thanks to a lot of people who have a passion for arts and children just as I do. The DARLA program will be specifically for foster kids and children waiting for placement in an adoptive home. Artists and studios across the state will provide their arts services free of charge or at a reduced rate to these children while they are in foster care. This will be a great opportunity for the children to use the arts to build on their own interests in dance, music, theatre or visual arts while at the same time building their self esteem.
There are over 5000 foster children in South Carolina who have been through many different situations of abuse, neglect, or challenges within their own families. We all know how the arts can empower and help us find who we truly are on the inside. While as an art teacher I believe that we all need the arts in our lives, I know these children need it even more as they try to get their life together. So, with that said let me just tell you that the conversations I have had with our state's arts leaders through e-mails and now the conversations I am having with our state's DSS offices are truly exciting. DARLA is becoming a reality and I just know that the children and teachers who participate in this program will truly be blessed from it. Thanks to all of you who are helping make this dream a reality!