The Arts Empowerment Project (TAEP), Charlotte, NC, helps to connect children impacted by violence and abuse to existing art programs in an effort to help to build resilience and provide positive outlets to counterbalance adverse experiences. 

TAEP’s efforts came to a sudden halt in March of 2020 when COVID-19 mandates went into effect, forcing them to pause all programs and classes. This couldn’t have come at a worse time, when the youth and families served by TAEP would be even more vulnerable and were already struggling under difficult circumstances.

TAEP remained committed to their mission, collaborating with arts and community partners to develop virtual programming and outreach opportunities, and to keep communications flowing. 

BD&H was eager to support TAEP in a pro bono capacity, assisting them in navigating communications challenges related to COVID-19 and the civil/social issues impacting our community. We also assisted with design for their annual fundraising campaign, and worked to launch a COVID-friendly (contactless) way to reach out to these children with creative HeART Packs to provide tools to continue exploration and healing through the arts during the lockdown.