Opportunities are taken to address social needs and community concerns through quality artistic programming. One component of the program that is felt to be most important is making some of the artistic programs available to parents and grandparents. Quite often the young students live with a grandmother who also needs encouragement and enhanced skills to deal with family situations. The arts open many doors for dialogue. Cultural diversity and minority artists are stressed and are always a key component of the program.
Creative approach includes neighborhood programming as the challenge of transportation is easier.
Working with the South Mississippi Youth Shelter, Pine Belt Boys and Girls Club, National Youth Sports Program, and most recently, the Youth Detention Center, has expanded outreach opportunities. Public Housing is also included in sites for programs. The arts are a great tool for dealing with sensitive issues and cultural diversity. The visual and literary arts, along with drama, certainly give creative outlet to expressions that may often deal with anger, disappointment and rejection, expressed in an acceptable manner that can be the beginning of life-learning skills. Positive impact is evaluated by repeat participants as well as pre and post class behavior, the number of incidents needing referral past the classroom artist and then the warm memories of seeing the arts really make a difference.