We Care Arts is a grassroots nonprofit with a mission to provide creative outlets for adults. Founded in 1982 in Dayton on Watervliet Avenue, We Care Arts moved to its current location in Kettering in 2004. They work with people with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health challenges.
Through their free classes, their artist clients are empowered to foster independence, confidence and joy through the transformative power of creativity. This community effort has evolved over four decades into a thriving organization where art and healing intersect to create profound impacts.
We Care Arts supports their artist clients by teaching art classes. These classes have an annual curriculum that includes painting, ceramics, jewelry making as well as mindfulness activities such as meditation and creating encouragement boards. Accessibility is top of mind when designing classes, intentionally ensuring that the creative process is available to each client and their unique needs.
“We believe art is for everyone,” says Executive Director Katie Neubert. “We provide tools like adaptive brushes and assistive devices, ensuring our artist clients can fully participate and express themselves.”
This commitment to inclusivity is bolstered by Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and Individualized Art Plans (IAPs). That means that We Care Arts uses personalized lessons and objectives tailored to their artist client's needs and aspirations. This holistic approach nurtures both artistic and personal growth, fostering resilience, self-expression and community connections.
We Care Arts is one of the rare places where people who often have to ask for help are given the space to lean into their own choices. This environment helps foster a sense of personal agency. One artist client, who has been attending classes for two years, was used to relying on his support staff to know what he needed. However, since coming to We Care Arts and practicing these skills in a creative environment, he has developed the confidence and ability to articulate more of his needs. He is now independently navigating some of the challenges he previously would have relied on others for and becoming more resilient.
“Things that used to upset him no longer have the same influence over him,” Katie explains. “To me, not only is this a testament to the resilience of this particular person but also the dedication and skill of the We Care Arts staff and the impact of our curriculum and lesson plans.”
The lifeblood of We Care Arts is its strong community network. Volunteers and partner agencies play an indispensable role, lending their time and talents to assist in art classes, organize events and serve on committees.
We Care Arts is currently preparing for their signature event, the Black & White Gala: Together We Care on February 28. The fundraiser will feature an art auction, displaying works created by 30 artist clients in collaboration with local artists, including renowned names like Mike Elsass, Ron Rollins and Bonnie Kuntz. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Donations are equally critical to sustaining We Care Arts. Financial contributions are always welcome, but they also accept in-kind donations, such as art supplies or items from the organization’s Amazon Wish List. Additionally, the We Care Arts Towne & Country Gift Shop sells handcrafted items created by clients, with proceeds directly benefiting the artists and programs.
At We Care Arts, the emphasis is on recognizing and celebrating abilities rather than dwelling on limitations. This philosophy extends to the entire organization, where staff and volunteers continuously seek innovative ways to enhance services and support artist clients more effectively.
“We encourage people to see the creativity and talent of our artist clients, not their diagnoses,” Katie says.
Supporting We Care Arts is a meaningful way to contribute to the community and make a tangible difference. Whether by volunteering, donating or simply spreading the word, community members can help individuals overcome challenges, unlock their potential and lead more fulfilling lives.
To learn more and get involved, visit WeCareArts.org.
“We encourage people to see the creativity and talent of our artist clients, not their diagnoses,”