A leader in creativity and mental wellness, AWBW supports hundreds of direct service organizations across the country to incorporate creative expression into their work with trauma survivors. AWBW’s training in facilitating art as a tool for transformation and healing, along with our library of curriculum and ongoing support, strengthens our program partners’ ability to better assist the individuals and communities they serve.
AWBW builds capacity at partnering organizations through training their staff to facilitate our trauma-informed art workshops, as well as continuing to support them as they implement the Windows Program with those who have experienced various forms of trauma. Through this unique model, we have developed a nationwide network of 1,200+ active Windows Facilitators, allowing us to reach tens of thousands of survivors each year.
From the beginning, a circle of connected innovation — comprised of each facilitator, supporter, staff, board member, and survivor — has created AWBW. As we celebrate 30 years of transforming trauma, we invite you to join us in both honoring the talents that have brought our work this far and carrying that work into a sustainable future.
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By Alexandra Braly; AWBW Volunteer and Habitat for Humanity
A piece on transition and new beginning
Many open doors
By Ger; Oneway to H.O.P.E.
This is an opening to something greater.
Graduation
By Danee;
Just graduated from El Camino High. I’m adjusting and trying to find my place.
Ladybug
By Melanie;
Through the weeds
By Ann Marie, Angelina and Anastasia; UAII
We want to give back to the organization that helped us so much. Art is a way of getting through hard things. Art is learning to cope and bonding with my family.
By Teresa smith; Shepherd's Door
The core starts in a dark space but as I grow I am Free. All colors are connected but still has its own flow and path. All colors have a core that speaks to it.
Sun
By Emiliano; Homeboy Industries
Don’t think when you draw.
Butterfly
By Melanie;
“This one’s a butterfly!”
Growth
By Phaedra; Centinela Youth Services
Planting seeds of growth
By Neha;
Just hold on.
Keep going
By Lila; Helping Hands
The scars will always be with you, but they will heal and the pain will go away.
Keep going
By Lila; Helping Hands
By Jo; Center for pacific Asian family
By Melanie;
Hope
By Annie;
Sunrise, hope
Growth
By Marie freschl; Richstone Family Center
Baby Junior
By Milamie Pdtrsem;
Flow
By Nour; Helping Hands
Life is filled with a series of colors and different things. It can change its course at any time but is always beautiful.
Sunset Ocean
By Michelle Solares; Helping Hands
Art has no boundaries. Everyone is different but art brings our worlds together. We are equal when we are making art.
The heart of Love
By Leilani; Helping Hands
Jesus healed his heart and everybody’s heart so they would be happy not sad. This is how I felt when I was painting my heart.
Diversity
By Annie;
The Tree of Life
By Carlos; Helping Hands
I feel that the art gives me freedom to express myself. I am free for the window of time when I am working on the art.
By Andrea Reibsamen; AWBW
Always in growth.
Half of my roots
By Christine Chavez; Homeboy Industries
I want to express the part of my roots that can sometimes be forgotten. It’s a part of me, in my blood.
Psalm 91
By Vanessa; Prototypes
Psalm 91 has become very important to me. It means that god protects and watches over us. The wings represent God. The road represents life. Each life of the tree will be filled with the names of my loved ones. Flowers are always growing and evolving, just like us. The heart in the middle represents love.
By Luca Flores; Lennox
Ready, Steady, Roll
By Susan Bernardo; Children's book author
Sometimes I’m fearful of new experiences which creates a block for me. These stones remind me to keep moving forward and to be ready and open to new experiences.
The storm will pass
By Barbara Ketchum; AWBW Volunteer
This image reminded me of a storm and this touchstone will be my reminder that this storm will always pass. I also need to remember to always keep creating art.
Transforming
By Farrah; UAII
This touchstone is about finding your way.
A Lot of Hearts
In Progress
By Ro; Helping Hands
Thinking about the artistic process. Often when I paint I have a specific feeling or mood. This painting has many layers that people react to differently. At the core of this painting is something different.
By Kirin; LAUSD
Playing with art
By Jacob; Homeboy Industries
Friendship
Friendship is like a flower with beautiful colors.
By Lila;
I just made what I wanted to make.
Darkness to Light
By Blanca; Helping Hands
I thank God that a friend shared touchstones and art therapy with me. I was so scared the first time I shared. I never shared my experience with anyone for twenty one years. The art has helped me share my pain.
Self-care Touchstones
By G Williams; Oneway to H.O.P.E. Ctr forr Wel Being
(52 participants in a workshop on professional self care that incorporated Self-care touchstones to remind them of the importance of taking time to rest, think, meditate, and spend time away from the stress of life.}
heart
By amy haddee; New Hope for Women
brave
(Un)surrendered Weapon
By Anne Utter; Snitch
I still love you baby.
I’m sorry.
I didn’t mean to hurt you.
I just
Couldn’t stop thinking
My god
He’s really going to
Kill me