A Letter From The Executive Director

Dear friends of We Care Arts: 

Together we know our mission is focused on art & community.  Together we believe in our vision of a future where people with diverse abilities can achieve their full potential and feel embraced by an inclusive society.  We know that whether it is the individual successes or the community events that allow us to be a Best of Dayton Nonprofit Winner, We Care Arts has an undeniable positive impact that ripples across our community. Two prime examples of this were highlighted in July during an artist-client redetermination meeting and at our Arts & Jazz event. 

Mission Moment 

Each year, We Care Arts meets with artist-clients for redetermination meetings, focused on discussing and updating art and life goals at our organization. At one recent redetermination meeting We Care Arts met with a particular artist-client and their Support Services Administrator (SSA). During the meeting the SSA shared that this artist-client has faced communication challenges in the past. He would become frustrated and angry over something and then “need intervention help from his SSA and natural supports” for problem-solving. However, “over the last two years, this artist-client has made remarkable progress.” According to his SSA, he is now able to independently communicate his needs to his instructors and solve issues on his own without involving his support team. “Things that used to upset him no longer have the same influence over him.” It's truly exciting to see how our We Care Arts team has proactively worked with this artist-client, to ensure that his individual needs are being met by supporting him in using the tools and strategies recommended by his specialists and support team. We Care Arts has created a safe space for him to grow, learn, and practice not only his artworks, but also his communication and SEL tools. To me, this is a shining example of how our community's efforts empower individuals to achieve their full potential and in my mind is such a testament to the power of our mission and vision that YOU help to bring to life each and everyday through your support and generosity. 

Arts & Jazz Event Recap 

On the macro end of how we impact our community, our We Care Arts team invited the community in July to our first ever Arts & Jazz event. The air was filled with wonderful music, and the campus was bustling with talented art vendors, captivating art demonstrations, and enthusiastic attendees. It was heartwarming to see both longtime supporters and new faces come together for a day of celebration and creativity. This event also marked the launch of our first Match Day for Together We Care, an exciting new initiative. Over the next 5-6 months, 29 of our artist-clients will collaborate with 29 community artists to create unique artworks. I know that as this inspiring project evolves, together we will witness the power of collaboration and creativity take on a new form with new and exciting opportunities for highlighting our artist-clients and their artworks. This is yet another bright example of how our mission and vision work together to provide new possibilities and new opportunities for our artist-clients and our Miami Valley neighbors. 

Back to School Season 

Because my English teacher told me everything is better in threes. . . I thought I would end by talking about our Wish List and the back-to-school season.  Whether you are out at Target, Office Depot, or even on Amazon buying back to school or office supplies, I would like to encourage you to consider buying one for yourself AND giving one to We Care Arts. We're always in need of several items to help our students succeed. I invite you to help us by contributing items from our Wish List. Your donations will directly support our art programs and ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed. 

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continuous support. Together, we are making a difference! 

Stay cool and creative during these last days of summer! 

Regards, 

Katie Neubert
Executive Director