MISSION
To save children from the devastating effects of trauma, conflict and crisis through ground-breaking arts-based psychological aid.
ABOUT THE KITS
Created by psychiatrists, therapists, first responders, parents and teachers and based on a combination of cutting-edge science and on the ground experience working with Israeli children living through rocket attacks from Gaza, Artists 4 Israel’s Healing Arts Kits intend to slow or stop the onset of new cases of PTSD. They are an emergency, psychological first aid tool that works through defusing the neurological process that solidifies trauma. During crises, individuals experience new and terrifying sights, sounds, smells, physical sensations and emotional pain. PTSD sets in when a person's brain is unable to process all the stimuli in a safe manner which results in a feedback loop in the mind and memory. The Healing Arts Kits create specific, alternative sensations which create a constructive distraction, stimulate self-healing and, interrupt the feedback loop. Available immediately, the Kits work in the critical first 30 seconds and 30 minutes when traumatic memory is permanently stored. After rigorous review, The Healing Arts Kits have been used and endorsed by many top psychological and educational institutions, including the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, the Israel Trauma Coalition, United Hatzalah, WIZO and, the Israel Ministry of Education.
To The Child, It is Simply Art. To Us, It is Science
The Healing Arts Kits are designed by psychiatrists, emergency first responders, art therapists, artists, teachers and parents combining the most recent research and best practices in dance, drama, play and art therapy combined with the input of care-givers and on the ground medical personnel. Each Kit is intuitive to use either by the child alone or is heightened by specific, simple instruction for the adult. The items inside are deceptively simple, while seemingly just play, are specially created by this team to serve all parties affected by the trauma.
Please find more information below in our Research & Methodology section.
Created in Crises
A Product of War Time Resilience
During Operation Protective Edge, Artists 4 Israel and WIZO NY partnered to bring an Emergency, War Time Version of the Healing Arts Kits to the Israeli communities on the border of Gaza. In Kibbutz Alumim and Sa'ad, the children were suffering from hundreds of rocket attacks each day and terror tunnels which made the idea of a "monster under the bed" all too real. Without fear, our Art Therapists visited these neighborhoods, led training workshops with parents and teachers, and distributed over 300 Kits into the schools, homes and bomb shelters.
Distributed Globally
A Tool to Aid All Children in Need
After seeing the positive results of the Kits in such a difficult time, the decision was made to apply it to other circumstances. The Kits have since been used in high-crime areas of Brooklyn and Chicago as well as at schools and community centers for children escaping abusive homes. It has been used after fires, car accidents and in all cases where children need protection and healing from trauma.
After the War: When the war ended, the Kits continued to be effective in healing children who still suffered from the conflict. In total, we supplied over 600 Healing Arts Kits to schools, youth villages, day care centers and homes for children in need.
“Feelings of fear and anxiety lead to post traumatic stress. Proximity to war creates invisible scars.”
The Need for the Healing Arts Kits
Use in Hospitals, Ambulances & Other Locations
For Parents & Caregivers
Partners & Endorsements
Kids Helping Kids: Packing Parties
Children's Art
Results
From Israel to Brooklyn: Use in Other Communities
Research and Methodoloy
Press
Our Team
“The Healing Arts Kits is a manifestation of your collective love, education and desire to heal. It has benefited children in multiple countries already and has the potential to serve all of humanity. I might be speaking hyperbolically, but I am not speaking falsely. You have created something truly of the best impulses of the world. Thank you for purchasing these kits, for delivering them even in the most dangerous times and for making them available to every child when and as needed. Thank you for supporting us.”
