ASI Mission And Vision

 ASI is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities through cultural stewardship, collaboration, and innovation. As the parent organization for impactful initiatives like Art Sprouts, Bend for Ukraine and UA&Co., ASI fosters connection, resilience, and growth by honoring heritage, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for all. At the heart of ASI’s mission is the belief that art, culture, and the outdoors have the power to transform lives. By combining education and creativity with community engagement, ASI addresses systemic challenges and works to remove barriers for underserved populations. Whether helping families rebuild their lives, promoting cultural literacy, or creating spaces for self-expression and healing, ASI’s programs bring people together through shared experiences.

ASI Mission:

ASI empowers underrepresented communities in Central Oregon through cultural stewardship, collaborative partnerships, and innovative programs, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive. 

ASI Vision:

ASI envisions a vibrant, inclusive community where global cultures and the natural beauty of Central Oregon unite us in shared experiences. We honor heritage as a cornerstone of identity, celebrate diversity as a source of strength, and embrace innovation as a blueprint for sustainable growth. Through transformative education, purposeful partnerships, and meaningful opportunities, we empower individuals and communities to connect, grow, and thrive—cultivating a more equitable and resilient world for generations to come. 

Hello, my name is Mila “Mamma Mila” Shelehoff. I am an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for cultural stewardship and community empowerment. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, I grew up immersed in the richness of art, culture, and resilience—values that continue to inspire my work today. After moving to Chicago to pursue my architectural studies, I built a successful career in hospitality design. While creatively fulfilling, this work left me longing for a deeper connection to education and community engagement.

In 2014, I founded Art Sprouts, Inc. to focus on experiential art education, driven by a vision to empower children, especially in underserved communities. My work has taken me to post-crisis regions such as the Kathmandu Valley, Sri Lanka, and Zambia, shaping my understanding of how art and education can rebuild and strengthen communities.

The global pandemic in 2020 brought a shift in priorities and gave me the opportunity to reimagine my path. That same year, I left the corporate hospitality industry to dedicate myself fully to my role as an educator, advocate, and community builder. The Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 further deepened my commitment to creating meaningful change. As millions of Ukrainians were displaced, I founded Bend For Ukraine, a community initiative supporting Ukrainian families resettling in Central Oregon.

Today, I live in Bend, Oregon, with my son, Lukian, and our blue heeler, Woofee. My work with ASI reflects my belief that education and community engagement are the cornerstones of a brighter, more equitable future. I am honored to share my story and passions with you and grateful to be part of a journey that fosters hope, belonging, and opportunity for all.

Sincerely, 

Mamma Mila Shelehoff

Founder and Executive Director, ASI

ASI began with a vision inspired by my work in developing countries, where I witnessed persistent sociao-economical challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to education. These experiences opened my eyes to the barriers many communities face and motivated me to create meaningful change. Recognizing that traditional education models often neglect the arts, I founded Art Sprouts, Inc. to provide experiential art and outdoor education to underserved communities, fostering creativity and self-expression as pathways to brighter futures.

What started as a small effort has grown far beyond its original vision. Today, ASI is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through cultural stewardship, collaborative partnerships, and innovative programs. Rooted in the belief that art, culture, and the outdoors have the power to transform lives, ASI creates opportunities for connection, resilience, and growth where they are needed most.

Our programs honor heritage as a cornerstone of identity, celebrate diversity as a source of strength, and embrace innovation as a blueprint for sustainable growth. By harnessing the healing benefits of creative expression and nature, we empower individuals and communities to thrive in the face of challenges, building a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

At ASI, we are steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a supportive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. Rooted in empathy and collaboration, our programs honor the diverse experiences that shape our world and empower communities through art, culture, and nature. We believe that by embracing heritage as a foundation, celebrating diversity as a strength, and fostering innovation as a blueprint for sustainable growth, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Our work is guided by the principles of access and inclusion. We are dedicated to identifying and addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from thriving. By tailoring programs to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and perspectives, we ensure that every participant feels seen, heard, and empowered. Together with our partners, supporters, and volunteers, we aim to transform challenges into opportunities, nurturing creativity and resilience for generations to come.

Inspired by principles of inclusivity and collaboration, these agreements guide ASI’s commitment to fostering a respectful and welcoming space where every voice is valued. By embracing these principles, we build a compassionate and empowering community for all participants.

Respect Privacy | Share each other’s stories only with permission.

Listen Fully and Without Distraction | Practice attentive, respectful listening.

Embrace Curiosity Over Judgment | Ask questions to understand others’ perspectives.

Hold Space for All Voices | Share your views while allowing others to share theirs.

Honor Intent and Impact | Reflect on how actions may affect others and adjust as needed.

Acknowledge Harm and Grow Together | If harm is caused, commit to making it right and to ongoing learning.

Celebrate and Enjoy Together | Create a joyful, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

 At ASI, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our supporters, participants, donors, and volunteers. We collect personal information, such as contact details, payment information, and demographic data, to provide and manage programs, process donations, and communicate updates. Sensitive information, such as health details for program participants, is collected only with consent. We do not sell or rent your information and share it only with trusted service providers, as required by law, or with your explicit consent. We take reasonable measures to secure your data, including encryption and secure payment systems, though no system can guarantee absolute security. You have the right to access, correct, or delete your information and opt out of communications by contacting us. Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, and we do not collect personal data from children under 13 without parental consent. This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically, and we encourage you to review it.