Arts program helps homeless youth

As a homeless teen, Malika Whitley found peace, happiness and purpose in an empty church basement, where she sang by herself for hours. There, she discovered the healing power of art.

ChopArt was born out of Whitley’s desire to help homeless youth express themselves, as she had, through art. The nonprofit organization works with shelters and community groups to provide homeless youth, ages 10-18, with arts opportunities – including painting, theater, music and dance – year-round and in summer camps.

Last year, ChopArt served 6,000 homeless youth in Atlanta and in partner organizations in Hyderabad, India, and Accra, Ghana.

– Leah Steinberg, The 100 Companies