We use the Creative Arts as a trauma informed service to help them develop tools for their own self-care.  Our role is to provide a safe environment for feeling, sharing, and expressing themselves as needed, so long as no harm comes to them or others. The Creative Arts have been found to help balance a person’s mind, body, and spirit.The nervous system and the way a person communicates with him or herself are at the crux of their wellbeing.  ARM of Care’s creative activities are designed to enable them to develop healthy ways to relate to themselves and others.  They learn that change is possible by using their imaginations, learning new enjoyable skills/hobbies, and pursuing activities they have enjoyed in the past.

As part of our own self-care, we hold monthly BARN (Bay Area Restorative Network) meetings for our ARM staff, volunteers, and those interested in learning more about what we do.  Volunteers are encouraged to attend whether currently volunteering or waiting for a volunteer assignment.  Attendance allows us all to share our experiences, what we have learned from trainings, and try out activities that we use with our participants. Sharing ideas, as well as successes and failures from experienced practitioners, helps us all to be better prepared.

Our volunteers work alongside professionals trained in some aspect of the Creative Arts.  All team members have training in trauma and experience with traumatized populations.  As a hands-on volunteer, we anticipate that you have experience working with challenging and at-risk populations.  ARM of Care requires volunteers to receive at least 1-2 trainings in trauma informed care and human trafficking, prior to working with our clients. Many trainings are local and free of charge.  Please see the Additional Training Resources Tab with links to trainings.