Middle Earth seeks donations for ‘The Art House’ initiative

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Middle Earth, a local nonprofit that has been working with at-risk youth for over 40 years, is always seeking new ways to help guide youth on a path to responsible adulthood. They are currently seeking the community’s help to launch a new arts initiative titled The Art House for teenagers who struggle with chronic family problems, low income, poor academic performance, low absenteeism at school, and other factors that can lead to risky behaviors.

Research has proven that at-risk students who have access to the arts, in or out of school, tend to have better academic results, increased self-esteem and resiliency, better workforce opportunities, improved emotional intelligence, and more civic engagement, such as voting and volunteering.

“Our goal is to decrease delinquency in at-risk youth, ages 12-18, by increasing their exposure to the arts,” said Jacquelin Mueller, M.A, The Art House Coordinator. “Many of these teens don’t have appropriate ways to express themselves or the frustration they are feeling in their lives. We want to give them the opportunity to confidently and safely communicate their identity though visual arts, theater, and music.”

Once launched, The Art House will bring in an artist, once a month, who specializes in a visual arts, theater, or music medium. The artist will provide the teens with workshop instruction and guidance that mimics an apprenticeship. The Art House initiative is unique because it combines a casual drop-in style program with exciting opportunities in art and professional mentorship.

Middle Earth is trying to raise $18,000 in the next 2 months for the space and the supplies they need to launch this innovative new initiative. You can watch a video explaining The Art House or learn about and contribute to their campaign on Middle Earth’s website: MiddleEarthNJ.org.

Middle Earth is a nonprofit that has served youth in Somerset County for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can use their free time constructively, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework, prepare for college and future employment, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach positive decision-making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, and leadership skills, as well as basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and obtaining a driver’s license. Middle Earth also provides parents, teachers and other adults, information on a variety of teen issues on their blog, middleearthnj.wordpress.com. All of their programs guide youth in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime. For more information about Middle Earth, visit middleearthnj.org or call 908-725-7223.