As part of our Holiday Campaign, we’re sharing stories that illustrate how VIBE Arts programs make a real difference in the communities we serve. You can check out the others here.
One of our incredible artists recently shared her journey working with students at Grenoble Public School and young patients in the Humber River Hospital Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit.
For over six years, we’ve had the privilege of working with Vero Diaz, who brings this vision to life through her decolonial, mixed-media practice.
From guiding young children through painting and creative writing exercises to nurturing friendships and self-expression, her dedication has touched countless lives.
At Grenoble, she led one of VIBE’s largest programs, developing five storybooks through a mixed-media storytelling program with second-graders—many of whom were newcomers, learning English and navigating challenging experiences. Through her workshops, students were given the tools to voice their stories and celebrate their own unique journeys.
She recalls, “Even for those who couldn’t read or write, they found ways to follow along, discovering their own inner voice.” By the end of the project, five unique books filled with drawings and stories showcased the resilience and creativity of these young students.
In the Humber River Hospital Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, Vero worked with young patients experiencing self-doubt and difficult circumstances. Despite initial reservations, participants discovered new ways to express themselves and formed friendships within the workshop. A nurse even noted the profound impact: a participant who previously struggled with simple tasks completed the workshop and felt a new sense of self-worth and confidence. The program became a space where participants felt valued, creative, and capable—where they could imagine brighter futures.
These stories highlight an urgent need. In many classrooms and community spaces, there simply aren’t enough resources or safe environments for young people to explore their emotions through art.
Teachers and service providers constantly express that the opportunities VIBE offers are rare and transformative.
Our artist facilitator Vero credits VIBE for her own growth too, describing it as a place where she has gained confidence, developed her own methodology (Ancestral Arts Method), and found a vibrant community of like-minded artists.
But we need your help to meet the growing demand for our arts education programs. Art is a place for self-discovery, healing, and belonging, and with your support, we can continue making it accessible to young people across our city.
If you are able, consider making a donation today. Truly no gift is too small. This week, all donations will be matched up to $3,000 by our friend and partner Riipen, a leading experiential learning platform helping educators, students, and organizations collaborate on real-world projects.
Together, let’s continue to create spaces where young people can find their voice, heal, and grow.