AHA! Santa Barbara Teens Make Art

Source: AHA!

AHA! Ally Group guides and inspires youth through group discussions, interactive activities, and connecting with one another. They practice approaching differences in opinion with curiosity and empathy; exploring their shared humanity by listening deeply in order to understand; and learn valuable skills for supporting others.

As allies and members of a loving and strong group culture, they are empowered to play important roles in building a safer, more welcoming community. The group focuses on important SEL competencies of self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills.

Last spring, teens in the Ally group were unable to do service out in the community as planned. The group chose instead to create artwork with inspirational messages formatted into note cards to be distributed to elderly residents isolated from loved ones.

AHA! partnered with Family Service Agency by including these notes with their meal delivery service. Notes were also delivered to residents of Mission Terrace, a convalescent hospital in Santa Barbara.

“Thank you for sending those wonderful cards filled with encouragement and positive thoughts. It truly made the residents happy!” writes Director of Activities Nicole Vallejo.

AHA! equips teenagers, educators, and parents with social and emotional intelligence to dismantle apathy, prevent despair, and interrupt hate-based behavior. Learn more at https://ahasb.org/