Why heARTeffect?

Prayerful mediation, meaningful conversations, peaceful God revelations - how most people are led to their mission in life. God had other plans for me however; I equate my “God mission revelation” to being slapped up-side the head and being told to listen. I didn’t even have a chance to ignore His calling, the Holy Spirit took a hold of me and wouldn’t stop shaking me until I agreed. Honestly, since that day, I have never once regretted the decision to follow His call to lead this ministry.

Listening to some of my co-workers lift up some prayers for our youth both in our congregation as well as in our community, my heart snapped in two. Suicide rates had sky-rocketed, depression and anxiety abounded and stress levels were off the charts; this happening to kids as young as 13-years-old. When I was 13-years-old, I was more worried if Mark from class thought I was cute - just proof that times have seriously changed and not for the better.

Years later I learned that every young adult, rich and poor alike, have gone through some serious turmoil. Sadly, the “rich kids” were often forgotten because “they had money thus they were fine.” I assure you, that is not always the case. There are many circumstances, of all varieties that cause our youth this depression, this anxiety and stress and sadly may feel they need to remain quiet for whatever reason they cling to.

I am so proud of our city and the assistance and programs that are offered to the youth all around Omaha, but I felt a pull to minister specifically to the West Omaha area. I wanted to provide a safe space, a welcoming place for our youth to come and create art. Art, specifically, because it has a healing way about it. Art has the ability to pull from the deepest, darkest areas of our hearts and souls and allows the artist to convey those feelings on paper or canvas without uttering a single word. Art can even help pull those secrets we’ve been hiding for all these years and pour them out of ourselves, allowing the light of God to enter our lives and start healing.

That is where step two comes into effect; heARTeffect is there to provide information and resources for our youth to talk when they are willing and ready to - no pressure. If youth just want to come and create in silence and leave, they’re more than welcome to. heARTeffect is there to provide such a place, but they will also know that whenever they are ready to talk, to get those feelings out of their hearts and minds, that there are a copious amount of individuals who will be there to listen and provide mentorship.

heARTeffect - “He” references God, “ART” is about, well, art, “Heart” is where we begin, and “Effect” is where the healing occurs. heARTeffect has two main objectives:

1. To inspire and celebrate creativity within our youth.
   

2. To provide a safe space for our youth to feel free to share and receive mentorship while developing their character.

heARTeffect’s mission is to provide such a place where freedom can be found, a place where life’s problems glide away with each pull of a paintbrush.