The Community Service Mission of Imani Portales Torres

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foster arts! A Note From Imani

Believing in a bigger purpose behind my ambitions has enabled me to persist through the challenges of my path.

I created FOSTER ARTS to bring awareness and advocacy to the causes of children who have experienced family displacement through the Social Service System.

As a former Foster Child, I have first hand experience of the often hidden difficulties that plague this community. Even in cases where one finds a permanent "adoptive" home, things are not so simple.

Questions of identity and community linger, with developmental and academic difficulties often being the norm.

In my own case, the Arts were a lifeline for me - - bringing me my first experiences of joy and belonging, and ushering me into a journey of self-discovery previously inaccessible.

stats don't lie No child is left unscathed by family displacment. There are over 140 million orphans globally -- and 500,000 children in the Foster Care System in the United States alone. Many will be well into adulthood before they can begin the process of discovering who they are, with few resources at their disposal to assist.

of those in foster care:

nearly 33% end up homeless,

60% of young men are convicted of crimes;

30% are likely to be substance abusers;

and 50% are likely to experience domestic violence.

Foster youth are three times more likely not to graduate high school and confront significant obstacles along their educational journey, regardless of IQ.

Statistically, a majority of foster children and adoptees spend their lives battling depression, disorientation, anxiety, delayed development, low self-esteem and addiction, with suicide rates being 400% higher than the general population.

the foster arts mission is to serve as an umbrella to raise monies towards our initiatives including:

ARTS EDUCATION FOR ALL| Creation of a tuition-free, professional classical arts charter academy "The Foster Arts Academy"
FUNDING & RESOURCES | Creation of “The Foster Arts Fund” which makes educational and assistance funding available at any age to those with experience in the social service system
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Organization of bi-annual arts festival, as well as various community events, exhibitions and installations, master classes and charity auctions, lectures and discussions.
PERFORMANCE AS SERVICE | Collaboration with local communities, international government and non-profit organizations, for performance and installation tours and other community projects.