Free Arts NYC programs inspire children to re-imagine their worlds and transform their lives through the creative arts. With the help of dedicated and caring volunteer mentors, Free Arts NYC delivers creative arts programs directly to low income, homeless, abused and neglected children. They partner with group homes, shelters, schools and community centers to give children the opportunity to express themselves in a supportive environment in order to develop communication and trust. Their programs and the relationships they foster help children and families experience new levels of hope and creativity. Free Arts NYC volunteers and facilitators give all of the children and families they work with a high level of personal attention. Their volunteer to child ratio is often 1:1 and, at most, 1:3. They are able to reach these ratios without exorbitant expense because of their unique volunteer model. Since 1998, founding Director Liz Hopfan has taken the nonprofit from a budget of $100,000 to over $2,000,000. Free Arts NYC volunteers have now served over 24,000 children and families. Learn more about Free Arts at www.freeartsnyc.org.