At SmartPractice, community service is something we deeply value.
Our SmartHearts Committee gives employees the opportunity to support charitable organizations in Arizona, including Free Arts.
Free Arts is all about sharing “the healing powers of the arts.” The organization “helps abused and homeless children build resilience and learn to trust and heal.” Since the program began more than 20 years ago, Free Arts has served more than 110,000 kids.
Today, we’re featuring the community service experience of SmartPractice Marketing Manager, Katie Kelson. Katie volunteered her time to the Free Arts SmartHearts event on April 17th. This event included Asian cultural activities, poetry, paper flower crafts, music, and more. Katie’s task was to be a supportive companion to children as they enjoyed making art.
Katie and her coworkers strike a pose during their SmartHearts Free Arts volunteer event.
“It was so rewarding for me to help kids in need use art to better their lives!”
Growing up, art was an important outlet for me. I loved helping kids benefit from art, make paper flowers, and feel proud of their creations.
One thing I really enjoyed was cheering children on as they presented their artwork. It was great to give them a sense of accomplishment!
I think what’s most impactful about SmartHearts’ involvement with Free Arts is that we’re giving kids examples of professional, successful, caring adults. This is important, given that a lot of children in the program may not have role models like these at home.
It’s easy to use working 40+ hours a week as an excuse not to volunteer. SmartPractice makes it simple to give back by including paid volunteer opportunities during work hours. My volunteer experience motivated me to consider how I could serve my community outside of work, too. – Katie Kelson, Marketing Manager at SmartPractice
Touched by Katie’s volunteer story? Check out our Account Manager, Dyana Carroll’s Employee Spotlight for Give Kids A Smile. Stay tuned for more blogs on SmartPractice employees who make the world a healthier, happier place every day.
