Conveniently situated in West Broward, Young At Art Children's Museum has served the South Florida community for two decades, providing exciting arts programming from a diverse, multicultural and eco-friendly arts perspective.

Dedicated to serving underprivileged communities, YAA met with the coordinator of the Homeless Education Program (HEP). A decision was made to provide two pilot programs at two homeless shelters. An arts educator visited the site and spent an evening creating art with the mothers and their children. This unique arts outreach gave the mothers an opportunity to relax and bond with their children in a fun environment. The other program provided monthly experiences at YAA and at the shelter. At the end of the pilot programs, YAA and HEP met with the directors from 14 area shelters to determine who might be able to host a full after school program incorporating supplemental academic instruction and art education. The Salvation Army's transitional shelter, Plymouth Colony was chosen as the first site serving 12-15 homeless students daily. A full scale after school program started in the 2003-04 school year with the first semester used as planning and set-up. The program has continued to expand and improve each year since. Children are served snacks, participate in three classes and have a recreation period.

For the 2007-2008 school year, ArtREACH served over 100 homeless children from nine area shelters, and enjoyed a new permanent home at Fort Lauderdale's First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Each school day, ArtREACH students experienced painting classes, world music, sculpture, drama, animation, mixed media, and musical movement. Certified Broward County school teachers provided basic skills instruction, homework assistance and computer-assisted instruction to the ArtREACH students, resulting in an overall increase in reading and math levels. ArtREACH's free after school program allowed many parents to maintain stability in their jobs and achieve financial independence. Parents appreciated ArtREACH for giving their children a safe haven away from the hardships of shelter life.

ArtREACH continues to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of the homeless community. The severe downturn in the American economy has negatively affected poverty-stricken families, slowly increasing the number of intact families entering the shelter system. Young At Art Children's Museum, in partnership with the Broward County Public Schools Homeless Education Program and area shelters, serves these families through ArtREACH. From the annual ArtREACH Holiday Party, where students receive new gifts and toys, to the Homeless Education Program's annual book bag drive, to art camp scholarships for homeless students, the ArtREACH Partners are committed to meeting the needs of struggling families.