Cindi Johnson

1412 Harmony Way Tampa, FL 33603 Phone: -- January 28, 2025 Harmony Roots Foundation Attn: Grants Committee Subject: Bright Futures Application – Color Path Dear Grants Committee, ColorPath is pleased to submit this proposal for the Bright Futures Community Arts Grant. We offer free art therapy and crative workshops to kids and teens in the Tampa Bay area, especially those who’ve been through tough experiences like poverty, violence, or other forms of trauma. We are requesting $35,000 to expand our “Healing Through Color” workshop series, bringing arts-based mental health support to over 800 underserved youth in the- school year. This funding will allow us to increase our reach to new school partners and shelters while deepening impact with follow-up support, staff training, and youth-led exhibits. Thank you for the opportunity to apply. We would be honored to partner with you and heal youth through creativity. Warmly, Maya L. Carter Founder & Executive Director ColorPath- Executive Summary ColorPath is requesting $35,000 from the Bright Futures Community Arts Grant to grow our Healing Through Color program. This program uses art to help kids cope with trauma and express themselves in healthy ways. Founded in 2019, ColorPath is a nonprofit that offers free art therapy workshops to youth ages 6– 18 across Tampa Bay. We focus on reaching kids from low-income and BIPOC communities. With this funding, we will serve 800 youth at 15 sites during the- school year. We’ll also host three youth art shows and expand to new school and shelter partners. Licensed therapists and teaching artists will lead sessions that help youth process emotions, build confidence, and connect with others. The grant will help pay for staff, art supplies, travel for our mobile art van, and program evaluation. This project supports Bright Futures' mission to improve youth mental health through the arts. Organization Background & Mission ColorPath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 that helps kids and teens with mental health through art. Our mission is to empower youth affected by trauma to heal and express themselves and grow through free, arts-based programs rooted in empathy, equity, and empowerment. Since we started, we’ve helped over 3,500 children in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties through art therapy, creative services, and school programs. Our therapists and artists work with kids in community centers, shelters, and schools – always free of charge. Program Description The requested funding will support the expansion of our “Healing Through Color” program, a mobile workshop series that brings structured art therapy sessions directly to communities facing systemic barriers to mental health services. Each 6-week cycle includes weekly sessions led by a licensed art therapist and teaching artist, using collage, painting, drawing, and visual storytelling to help youth process trauma, build confidence, and connect with peers. This expansion will: • • • Serve 800+ youth across 15 locations in underserved neighborhoods Add 4 new program sites, including 2 Title I schools and 2 transitional housing facilities Launch youth-led art showcases at 3 locations to celebrate healing and self-expression Statement of Need In Hillsborough County, about one in five kids lives in poverty and faces tough challenges every day. Florida's child poverty rate has grown to nearly 20%, affecting 753,000 children across the state. Many of these kids have probably experienced at least one traumatic event that could harm their long-term health and happiness. These children don't have enough support. School counselors are stretched too thin - they're handling 376 students each on average this school year, when they should only have about 250. This makes it nearly impossible to give kids the personal attention they need. ColorPath helps fill this gap with a fresh approach to healing. We bring art supplies, caring staff, and safe environments directly to young people. This gives troubled kids and teens a creative way to express themselves and work through their feelings. By making healing both accessible and engaging, ColorPath meets young people where they are - both emotionally and physically. In our community where resources are scarce but needs are great, ColorPath gives Hillsborough County youth a chance to find hope and healing through art and compassion. Program Goals, Objectives, and Timeline Goal 1: Reach more kids with healing art programs • Objective: Lead at least 150+ workshops between July 2025 and June 2026 • Objective: Work with at least 800 youth ages 6–18 • Timeline: July 2025 – June 2026 Goal 2: Improve the wellbeing of kids • Objective: 75% of kids will show improved emotional expression based on what they share in surveys and their art. • Objective: Provide clinical referrals or deeper care for 10% of kids with high needs Goal 3: Uplift kids voices through creative celebration. • Objective: Host 3 public art shows created and led by kids. Evaluation Plan ColorPath uses a mixed-method evaluation approach: • • • • • Pre- and post-program self-assessments Behavioral observation by facilitators Art samples analyzed for emotional themes Partner and caregiver feedback Youth exit interviews (optional for older youth) We also track attendance, engagement levels, and referrals made to deeper services. Annual reports are compiled and shared with stakeholders and funders. Organizational Capacity ColorPath’s leadership team brings over 20 years of combined experience in trauma-informed care, nonprofit management, and youth development. Founder Maya Carter is a board-certified art therapist and former educator. We have strong partnerships with local schools and shelters, and a team of 5 therapists, 3 teaching artists, and 25+ trained volunteers. In 2023, ColorPath was awarded the “Healing Through Arts” Community Impact Award by the Tampa Arts Alliance. Sustainability ColorPath is committed to long-term sustainability through: • Diversified funding streams (foundation grants, individual donors, earned income from trainings) • A growing base of monthly donors (100+ and counting) • • Strategic partnerships that provide in-kind space and support A plan to launch a digital curriculum by 2026 to expand reach and revenue Program Budget Budget Narrative • • • • • • • Art Therapist Stipends ($13,500): Covers stipends for licensed art therapists delivering 150+ sessions across 15 locations at $90/session. Teaching Artist Fees ($8,000): Fees for artists who co-lead sessions and guide hands-on projects. Art Supplies ($4,500): Includes journals, paints, brushes, canvases, and take-home kits for 800 youth. Art Show Expenses ($2,000): Rental of community spaces, printing materials, and refreshments for three youth-led art showcases. Van Travel ($2,500): Fuel and maintenance for the mobile art van to travel between sites. Evaluation ($2,000): Covers survey materials, therapist time for analysis, and database software. Admin/Fiscal Oversight ($2,500): Support for scheduling, documentation, and financial reporting. Attachments IRS Determination Letter 501(c)(3) Annual Operating Budget FY 2024 Board of Directors Letters of Support (2)