Through interactive theatre programs that develop social-emotional skills and build trusted relationships with youth, Mirror Image Arts disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline. Research shows that trusted adult and developmental relationships are linked to statistically significantly higher social-emotional skill (SES) development levels. Your Colorado Gives Day gift of any amount will help us disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by placing trusted adults in schools and the youth legal system.
Colorado Gives Day unites all Coloradans in a common goal to strengthen the state’s nonprofits by giving to their favorite charities online. The state’s largest community giving movement has raised a total of $307 million since the one-day giving event began in 2010. Donations can be scheduled ahead of time, starting on November 1, 2021.
OUR WHY:
Our Passion and Purpose are to DISRUPT the School-to-Prison Pipeline throughout the Greater Denver Metropolitan Area. The pipeline is a charged and complicated issue, affecting youth everywhere we operate.
Ensuring “safe” schools through 1. Zero Tolerance Policies and 2. increased police presence in public schools have led to minor infractions being treated as criminal offenses. The result is drastic, exclusionary punishment ranging from detention and expulsion to incarceration. Instead of disciplinary issues being addressed by schools, youth are interacting with the youth legal system.
Mirror Image Arts utilizes interactive theatre, positive youth development, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches. We work with youth (ages 7-21) in schools and juvenile detention centers. Through our work, we aim to give youth access to the arts while opening up spaces for them to express themselves through play, imagination, and dialogue. To feel valued, seen, and heard. To be experts in their own lives and have the opportunity to make mistakes and come back stronger. To practice their resilience and their potential.
OUR MIRROR IMAGE ARTS PROGRAMMING STAFF: We are incredibly grateful to our team of Trusted Adults. Tune in to our social media this month to learn more about their stories.
Lauren Sagendorph: Program & Development Coordinator
Maddy Chilese: Your Voice Program Coordinator
Michael Board II: Program Associate
Ruby Diaz: Program Associate
Mitch Marquez: Program Associate
Kiana English: Restorative Theatre Program Coordinator
Maya Osterman-Van Grack: Program & Partnerships Director
OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL: $15,000 (show your support by clicking the button above)