Free Arts NYC has screened, interviewed, trained, and placed thousands of arts mentors. Here’s what some of them have to say about the experience:

I keep volunteering with Free Arts because it is so user friendly and the volunteers are appreciated … Interactions with the staff, other volunteers, and the children are always organized with an air of partnership and caring, which is so important.
-Tina Crayton, School of the Visual Arts

The unique thing I experienced is the amount of love these kids have for art. I wish this program could have enough volunteers to do this every weekend.
-Vladamir, Free Arts Day Volunteer

He had this huge grin on his face, and big bright eyes, and spun around to an adult near him and shouted, ‘the art teachers are here!’ with such excitement that I know I will never forget him.
-Gina Owen, Dreitzer House, 6-8 Group

It’s all about connecting with others, nurturing young people, building community, feeling like you can make a difference, and participating in something greater than oneself…My experiences as a Free Arts Weekly Mentor provide an invaluable sense of balance, perspective and meaning that spills over into the rest of my life.
-Allison, WMP Volunteer, Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA)

There is nothing better in the world than making a child laugh and forget his or her problems. Thanks for giving volunteers an opportunity to create joy with these children.
-Angela, Weekly Mentor Volunteer, Genesis House

This biggest change I see by the end of a program is an increase in patience. Participants often start wanting to work on their own, but after several weeks, the attitude changes from “I” to “we,” and everyone shows much more respect for each other’s talents.
-Jennifer, Parents and Children Together with Art Volunteer, GO Project