Our Mission
ARTreach connects community partners with artists to positively impact the underserved and the community as a whole.
We see art as a healing, restorative, and empowering mechanism to help at-risk populations overcome obstacles and thrive. ARTreach serves the tri-county area of Katy, Texas, including greater Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Waller County. ARTreach connects programs through collaborations with many community partners, including social service agencies, government entities, and other nonprofits. ARTreach artists deliver programs in foster care centers, schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers, senior living homes, and residential treatment centers.
We deliver quality art programs to the most
vulnerable populations in our communities.
Children & Families At Risk
ARTreach serves under-resourced youth and families who are in transition. We connect arts programs to underserved schools, social service agencies, and other nonprofits. Here, ARTreach supplements participants’ education, improving self-esteem and helping them to overcome obstacles in life. For example, ARTreach juvenile justice programs serve troubled youth while offering healthy alternatives through art. As a result, the families and children we serve are inspired by their own talent and visualize a more positive future.
Individuals with Special Needs
ARTreach offers programs and performances that promote social skills development, education, and life skills for people with disabilities.. These programs help participants connect and interact with those around them in a meaningful way. Customized to meet objectives associated with education, enrichment, coping skills, and quality of life, they are perfect for participants of any age level.
Senior Citizens
The senior citizens, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, also benefit from our programs. ARTreach offers customized programs that can increase social interactions and artistic development, resulting in a sense of belonging and improved quality of life. Our programs for seniors are designed to provide quality life-enriching programs that will help participants engage with their community, reconnect to their creative spirit, and remain independent and healthy.
Community at Large
To advance our mission, ARTreach participates in numerous festivals and performances for the general community. These programs can reach community members who might not otherwise have the means to attend such events.
Our History
ARTreach was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization in Texas by community activist and child advocate Terri Bieber. In 2010, ARTreach programs were recognized by Texas Commission on the Arts and approved for funding from the state.
In 2015, Board Secretary and Strategic Planning Chair Anne Campbell was hired as Executive Director, and two new Board Directors were added. The organization became strong and sustainable, adding teachers who taught new and innovative programs, training volunteers, and adding community partners.
Progress continued in 2016-18, as new Artist and Volunteer Managers enhanced program assessment procedures, streamlined communications, and pursued new program connections.
In January 2018, Books Alive! Literacy Through the Arts became an important part of ARTreach and currently operates as an Artist in Residence. Books Alive! brings the magic of theatre and the gift of literacy to grade schools, libraries, hospitals, shelters, and other organizations in need. Serving the Greater Houston area, Books Alive! adapts children's literature into fully-staged, original musicals performed by professional actors.
In 2019, Nicole Moraw was hired as Executive Director, and three Board Members were added in 2020 and early 2021. In addition, a new 3-year strategic plan was created in 2021 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of ARTreach.
Today, ARTreach contracts with more than 20 artists to support programs and operations. Also, the organization has developed partnerships with more than 30 agencies and schools throughout the Greater Houston area and serves approximately 26,000 individuals each year.