At IM Houston, we know arts participation is joyful and evidence-based. Our work with refugees focuses on essentials such as housing, food and schooling. It also adds the social-emotional support that youth need to adapt, connect and envision a hopeful future.
For refugee youth, language barriers, isolation and uncertainty make this harder. Without safe outlets for expression, many risk disengaging from education and community life.
In class, paintbrushes, colors and ideas become tools for growth. Students explore multiple art forms, take risks, express themselves, and practice collaboration, patience and problem-solving. Along the way, they make friends, share laughter and grow in confidence.
One student said: “You taught us that not everything in life has to be finished. I like that. It helps me feel better, and I learned to calm down and be easy.”
Parents notice, too. One parent shared: “When my daughter first started, she was so shy. At the graduation ceremony, she stood in front of everyone and spoke about her artwork with such pride. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
You can support the work of IM Houston’s Refugee Services program and help make stories like this happen at givebutter.com/IMRS.
Support Refugee Services
Refugee Services walks with newly arrived families through resettlement, employment, legal services and the first years of building a life here.
