The Inland Agency Challenges of Youth Collaborative with its subcontractors and partners reached 765 of the community’s youth through their various interventions this past year.  One of the highlights of the year for Program Director Jodee Palmer was watching the students' creative talents emerge through our “A Sense of Peace” program. 

Research has strongly indicated that youth who have the opportunity to participate in arts programs are far less likely to engage in risk behaviors including teen pregnancy, substance abuse and violence, are more likely to remain in school and also have better test scores than those not participating in art programs.  The results are across the board, for low-income as well as medium and high income youth.

Recognizing the potential to make a positive connection with youth through art, Inland Agency began “A Sense of Peace” in 2006 through a partnership with art educators Michele Worth and Sarah Slocum.  The program teaches youth to communicate thoughts of peace through the creation of sculptural art forms that engages the five senses and reflects cultural diversity.

The middle school students from Citrus Hills Intermediate School in Corona that participated in the A Sense of Peace intervention through the Community Challenge Grant had their first public exhibition at Riverside Community Arts Association Gallery in the spring of 2007.  Three of the participants toured the Gallery’s guests through the exhibit and accepted with deep pride a check from the Fellowship of Reconciliation for their efforts.

The 2nd Annual Peace Festival which highlights the exhibit and embraces peace in many forms was held at Riverside Plaza.  This celebration brought together individuals and families from all walks of life for a day of art, music and fun and  an opportunity for youth to assist in creating awareness of peaceful ways of life.

Learn more about The Peace Festival