Description
My name is Diedre Burke, and in 2002 I started Artists of America (AOA). AOA is an IRS recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. Our mission is to provide School Programs & Art Classes for Foster Children & At-Risk Youth.
WHY?
- 80% of Foster Children end up
- in Prison
- Homeless
- or DEAD
- within 1 year of leaving the foster care system.
We started Artists of America to provide school programs & art classes for FOSTER CHILDREN & AT-RISK YOUTH, giving them the opportunity to learn to read better, to draw, to paint, to learn music, to write creatively.
The lack of school programs like these, means our children are not learning how to solve problems, think creatively, and to develop the Life Skills that only art classes can teach a child!
This not only impacts the life of each child, it is detrimental to our society as a whole. Where are we going to get the scientists, the pioneers, the visionaries of the future if we do not sow the seeds within our children?
We realize that in the lower income areas, the lack of art classes & school programs like these fall very low on the list of necessities,
Artists of America is designed to provide the teachers and the art supplies for school programs. We utilize the existing school facilities, and work with the school to provide the art classes they desire.
Our work is limited only by the funds we raise, not by the need of our children.
