HEAL Center for the Arts

Program Overview

The HEAL Center for the Arts offers trauma-informed, arts-based programming designed to support youth development, emotional well-being, and community connection for young people in the City of St. Louis. Through instrumental and vocal music instruction, mentorship, social-emotional learning, and supportive services, HEAL creates safe and engaging spaces where youth can build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and develop creative and leadership skills.

Services include in-school instrumental and vocal music instruction, after-school ensemble rehearsals, student performances and community showcases, mentorship opportunities, and enrichment workshops focused on leadership development, financial literacy, and arts entrepreneurship. Participants also receive access to light-touch social work support, wellness check-ins, case management assistance, and trauma-informed mental health support facilitated by licensed professionals.

HEAL collaborates with schools, community organizations, families, and youth-serving agencies to identify and support participants who may benefit from structured arts programming and positive adult mentorship. The program emphasizes social-emotional growth, emotional regulation, school engagement, and creative expression while helping youth overcome barriers related to trauma, violence exposure, academic challenges, and limited access to enrichment opportunities.

The program is funded by Prop S for 2026.

The program is operated by HEAL Center for the Arts

 

Program Eligibility

Services provided by HEAL Center for the Arts are available to the following individuals:

• Youth ages 11–24 who reside in the City of St. Louis
• Youth enrolled in or connected to partner schools or community organizations
• Youth exposed to community violence, trauma, or unsafe environments
• Youth experiencing academic challenges, chronic absenteeism, or disciplinary concerns
• Youth who may benefit from social-emotional support, mentorship, or structured after-school enrichment
• Youth with limited access to arts education or positive creative opportunities
• Youth experiencing poverty, lack of supervision, or other social and environmental stressors
• Youth seeking positive peer engagement, leadership development, and creative expression opportunities

HEAL does not exclude youth based on academic performance, immigration status, or prior system involvement. Individuals requiring intensive therapeutic, medical, or crisis-level intervention beyond the scope of HEAL’s services will be referred to appropriate providers.

Program Contact Information

For more information about the program, please contact the HEAL Center for the Arts at info@healcenterforthearts.org