Through Art to Opportunity: Jamie’s Story
Mixed media artwork created by Jamie during her time with Juniper Arts Academy
From Instability to Opportunity
Jamie entered foster care in 2024. In just one year, she moved four times — four homes, four schools, four new beginnings.
For youth in foster care, frequent moves are more than stressful. Most youth with 5+ placements have a 90% chance of entering the justice system. Here in Sedgwick County, kids average eight moves a year. Stability can feel impossible.
But for Jamie, there was one constant: Juniper Arts Academy.
A Safe Place to Be Seen
Thanks to Juniper’s mobile, on-site programming, Jamie stayed with the same Student Advocate and support staffthrough three of her four placements. Each classroom became a safe space to create, explore, and reclaim her voice.
Through art, Jamie didn’t just survive — she thrived. She gained confidence, formed healthy relationships, and became a Student Leader, guiding peers even while continuing her own growth.
Showing Up Makes All the Difference
Consistency and care make all the difference for youth navigating foster care. Our trauma-informed classrooms followed Jamie wherever she went.
Week after week, she:
learned social-emotional skills
explored dreams beyond foster care
celebrated her creativity and courage
Through our hands-in approach, Jamie discovered that stability and growth are possible — even amid constant change.
Art as a Tool for Opportunity
[Insert Image: Jamie’s collage artwork with hearts]
Jamie’s collage is filled with blue hearts — around it and inside it. Her eyes are hidden, just like so many youth who often go unseen.
But through art, Juniper helped Jamie become visible. Art gave her a safe way to:
express emotions
build confidence through creative choices
form healthy relationships
imagine a brighter future
Art didn’t just help Jamie cope — it opened doors to opportunity.
You Can Make This Possible
At Juniper, every classroom, every Student Advocate, every art project is funded by people who care. This end-of-year, your support can help more youth like Jamie find consistency, confidence, and the opportunity to thrive.
Your gift provides:
trauma-informed art and music classes
mobile, on-site classrooms that remove barriers
consistent mentorship from Student Advocates
pathways for youth to lead, create, and grow
When stability is rare, being present changes everything.
