ART SPROUTS, INC. | BEND for UKRAINE
Our Mission And Vision
At Art Sprouts, Inc., we empower youth through art and outdoor education. Focusings on equity, diversity, and inclusion, we build lasting relationships while fostering creativity and a deep connection to nature. With Art Sprouts, Inc., every child thrives.
At Art Sprouts, Inc., we believe in the power of art and outdoor education. We design and facilitate programs and provide enrichment opportunities to children of all backgrounds. Our strategic alliances with organizations, communities, and volunteers allow us to provide face-to-face, hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and fun. We are here to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in life, and we are grateful for our donors' generosity in achieving this goal.
From The Founder
Hello, my name is Mila “Mamma Mila” Shelehoff. I am an educator and an entrepreneur. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and after moving to Chicago to complete my architectural studies, I pursued a career in hospitality design. In 2020, I left the corporate world of hospitality to pursue my dream of raising my son in the great outdoors of Oregon and becoming an educator. I now live in Bend, OR, with my son, Lukian, and my blue heeler, Woofer. I teach arts, alpine and Nordic skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and river safety.
Community engagement is vitally important in my work: these practices demonstrate people’s ability to come together and advocate on their behalf. I believe in education as the cornerstone of a better future. Today, I continue to seek opportunities that allow me to build upon my vision. My work is the vehicle that helps me achieve my life goals. Thank you for the privilege to share my passions with you.
Sincerely,
Mamma Mila.
Why Art Sprouts, Inc.
While working in developing countries, I witnessed the world’s most intractable social concerns: poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to education. I had a vision—I founded Art Sprouts, Inc., a nonprofit organization focusing on experiential art education. At Art Sprouts, Inc., we create strategies that make art and outdoor education accessible to communities where these programs would not happen otherwise.
Some communities are historically underserved and underrepresented. At Art Sprouts, Inc. we are committed to identifying and eliminating the barriers that prevent fair treatment, access, opportunities, and advancement. Educational programs in these communities typically adopt traditional education models emphasizing math, science, and language. These programs allocate few resources to topics such as arts—topics perceived as having little tangible relevance. Children in such environments face a much different future than their counterparts in wealthier areas.
The effects of trauma caused by various events such as war, natural disasters, or life-threatening experiences can be long-lasting. The use of art and spending time outdoors have shown significant and sustained benefits. We are committed to bringing greater awareness to healing through fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.
Diversity Statement
Our work is our voice: it advocates for glaring economic, societal, and ecological issues. Central to our philosophy is the unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We believe that the strength of our creative expression is amplified when we embrace a wide range of perspectives and experiences. By nurturing an environment steeped in empathy, respect, and acceptance, we aim to create a space where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and included.