Healing Through Art

InspiredbySami art kits were delivered by the women of PRESENTNOW to kids at the Good Shephard Shelter for Domestic Violence in the West Adams district of Los Angeles. The delivery was part of a 1,300 kits distribution PresentNow intiated to children at shelters across the country.

The Good Shepherd Shelter was created in 1977 for mothers and children who were escaping domestic violence. It was the first transitional domestic violence shelter in Los Angeles. Good Shepherd Shelter is a transitional facility which provides individualized, comprehensive, trauma-informed care for mothers and children to help them heal from the devastating effects of surviving domestic violence. The programs are designed to heal families and give them the tools they need to lead stable, violence-free lives, thus breaking the generational cycle of domestic violence.

A growing body of research underscores the transformative role of art therapy in trauma recovery. Organizations like the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) emphasize that creative expression can help survivors process complex emotions, regain control, and rebuild self-worth. Studies have shown that engaging in painting, drawing, or sculpting can reduce PTSD symptoms, lower anxiety, and enhance overall emotional resilience. Many shelters now incorporate art therapy programs, using guided artistic activities to foster healing in a nonverbal, empowering way.

The SAMI Foundation and InspiredbySami will continue to find ways of reaching kids through art and supporting their creative pursuits.

Melanie Neumann, Erica Fisher, Sahara Pynes and Carla Liber are pictured with shelter representative.