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, Free Arts Day Volunteer

"This biggest change I see by the end of a PACT 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, PACT Volunteer

"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 Weekly Mentor provide an invaluable sense of balance, perspective and meaning that spills over into the rest of my life."
+ Allison, Weekly Mentor Volunteer

"I keep volunteering with Free Arts because there is nothing better than seeing our kids beaming, with that "look what I made!" pride on their faces. I still remember that feeling from when I was a child: it fills you up and in that moment you can do anything. Every child should have the opportunity to experience that."
+ Deborah, Weekly Mentor Volunteer

"Volunteering with Free Arts changed my life, really; I recommend it to everyone I know, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing."
+ Amanda, Weekly Mentor Volunteer