Our vision is to provide the tools neccesary so each child has the ability to fully express themselves.
Art is a vehicle to reach out to students. Engaging them with art enriches their study with all other curriculum subjects. Our strategy is aimed to spark the energy of world peace by igniting the passion of learning in the world’s children.In using the research based principles of integrating the arts in the general curriculum, we hope to increase self-esteem and thinking skills in children to help them become better world citizens. Wherever there is a need, drawchange wants to be there providing art supplies.
the facts
- Founded in early 2009 by Jennie Lobato, fine artist by trade, lover of children and possesses a deep understanding of what a difference the arts can have on children by being able to first and foremost envision all they are capable of being.
- Active volunteer list of 40+
- Serve children of Atlanta, GA as well as international projects in Cartago, Costa Rica and Ethiopia, Africa
- We create empowering art programs and curriculum tailored to specific children’s needs
- Drawchange meets the children in their environment; after school programs, orphanages, homeless shelters, etc.
our team
JENNIE LOBATO, Founder/CEO: drawchange
Jennie first became involved in the public arts at the age of thirteen when she was involved in the painting of a city mural. Soon thereafter, she was given the opportunity to lead a team of “at-risk” children through the development of another inner city mural. After seeing the immediate impact the project made in their lives, she knew her destiny of helping children with art awaited. Today she joins ‘drawchange’ with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a perfect understanding of why children need art. -“As a first generation American, being provided with the tools necessary to express myself as a child was immeasurable. I only wish I could grant every child on earth the same opportunity.”
Board Member, CHRISTIAN WEAVER: Big Brothers, Big Sisters
“There is art in everything we see, and children see art in it’s simplest and most true form.”
Board Member, BARBARA HUFFMAN, Huffman House, Inc.
“I couldn’t of asked for a better opportunity to continue to serve the world’s children then with drawchange!”
Board Member, NOELLE ABENT, InnerQuest Church
“I was blessed to grow up with everything I needed and more, and I am grateful to be in a position to help children realize their true creative potential.”
Board Member, Anne Maffett, Atlanta Unity
“We all know that change begins with imagination. So all Jennie had to do was make me understand that art unlocks the creativity a child needs to imagine a better world for themselves, I was hooked.”
the story
It all began with a mission trip to Cartago, Costa Rica. Painting murals with elementary school children provided a vessel for them to express their creativity, giving them hope for their futures. Seeing how their perspectives were easily changed in the process, motivated me upon my return to try and extend the same opportunity to the world’s children. I am honored to know that the murals are still proving today to inspire the children to continue with their education. I returned with a mission and a goal of world peace in mind. If you would like to learn more, please contact us.
