YOUTH PROFILE

Express Yourself Milwaukee works with youth in the greater Milwaukee community who are in alternative schools and residential treatment and detention facilities.

DEMOGRAPHICS

• 700 young people, ages 7–21, served annually
• 70% male/30% female
• 95% low-income
• 85% African-American, 10% Caucasian,
  5% Latino/Asian/Native American
• 100% of the youth served are involved in special education programming

• 33% of the youth are in the foster care system

BENEFIT TO YOUTH

Express Yourself benefits at-risk urban youth by:

• Reducing the sense of isolation and disenfranchisement they have grown accustomed to feeling to experiencing the sense of collaboration and celebration created in a multi-disciplinary art community.
• Providing opportunities to turn their lives around and become successful contributors to their family, peers and community.
• Creating experiences to develop healthy self identities through artistic and creative processes.
• Giving them a feeling of being valued for their contributions.
• Fostering a mentoring atmosphere where past participants return to work with new participants