Ten years ago, Erica Katz volunteered through Create Now to teach arts and crafts projects to children facing homelessness at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission shelter, now located in Northridge.
It was such a rewarding experience that Erica has returned, along with her friends Sandy Gray and Jackie Solenzio. She exclaimed, “Working with these kids is such a joy! They’re proud of what they make and want to share it with the people they care about.”
The arts projects include themed crafts like “Our Friends in the Sea” made with sand, Valentine’s Day picture frames called “Love You to Pieces” created with jigsaw puzzles, butterfly wall designs, keepsake boxes, flower pots, and more!
11 year-old Vanessa shared, “Painting socks was my favorite project. Art is how you feel inside and express it. I expressed myself.”
Shelter staff member Luisa Ongpauco exclaimed, “The kids love he workshop. They like to show off their art projects to the other kids and their parents.”
Everyone is having such a great time that they don’t want this six-week workshop to end. As a result, it’s just been extended for another six weeks. We can’t wait to see what these youngsters will create next!
