A fusion of the arts, global culture, and holistic therapies for children burdened with hardship
THE ARTS FOR HUMANITY
Make a Difference Today
The Arts for Humanity is a non-profit organization striving to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and outreach activities, our team works tirelessly each day to contribute their part to the greater good.
OUR STORY
Behind the Scenes
Our vision is to have children burdened with devastating illness or strife find hope and healing for a better tomorrow through holistic and medicinal therapies. We envision these young lives finding comfort physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by using their imagination in ways that cultivate new thought processes found in many therapies.
We aim to spark the spirit in these children yet offer each child a sense of calm and confidence to pursue dreams for the betterment of themselves and humanity. The spirit never dies, and our goal is to create a sense of personal growth and awareness, health, healing and longevity.
Children are born to flourish in a sheltered world without illness or hardship and are meant to be healthy and happy. Children are born to live their lives, seek dreams and perhaps even strive to improve the world with a global vision for generations to come.
Samantha was a gifted soul who many would say was an old soul. She was born with the capacity at an early age to ask questions about “our purpose here on earth.” At the tender age of eight years, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor that took her life 18 months later. Simply unimaginable.
She would have sought after these answers throughout her lifetime. We know why she made her presence known. It was to teach us the true essence of courage, to question and challenge worldly injustices, and have us understand how the performing and visual arts and sciences can serve as a tremendous healing source for the mind, body and spirit.
It is our intention to have Samantha’s insightful way be recognized for the gift that it was, share her wisdom and behold her dreams to have lived a purposeful life. We are all one, and our mission is to elevate those who are living in the shadow of darkness by offering opportunities that foster growth, self-expression and shed light on the path of hope, health and healing.
ABOUT
Here at The Arts for Humanity, we are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all. Our decision making process is informed by comprehensive empirical studies and high quality data evaluation. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
WHAT WE DO
Furthering our cause is the most important goal of our organization. We seek to support, empower, and provide high quality resources to our community in a safe and secure environment. Our success isn’t measured in terms of wealth or profit margin, but by the value we provide to those we serve.
FUNDRAISING
Reinforcing our Commitment
Through Fundraising – We offer goods and services by having charity benefit concerts for the public. The funds generated will be utilized to offer Music & Art Therapy and attendance to Theater & Art Camp to children who are burdened with life-altering diseases or are burdened with impoverished living conditions and will be greatly benefited by having the arts as a coping mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CLINICS
One Step at a Time
At The Arts for Humanity, we are dedicated to stepping up our efforts in addressing this issue. Establishing a Health Clinic is by no means an easy feat, but through cooperation and community empowerment we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
SUPPORTS INITIATIVES FIGHTING CHILD TRAFFICKING
Sheltering our vulnerable
TAFH is building relationships with other non-profit organizations in an effort to combat the child trafficking crisis and its life-altering trauma effects. Whether it be staying "In the Know," of current operations or supporting efforts to manage short and long-term shelter, mental health counseling and ministry for the victims, we believe this mission is critical for its survivors.
CHILDREN'S THEATER
Offer exposure to the Performing and Creative Arts
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. Children will have an opportunity to attend theater productions or other art-affiliated opportunities for our youth. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential.
ENVIRONMENTAL & ENDANGERED SPECIES AWARENESS EDUCATION
Our Global Advocacy Platform
We share your global concerns and will share educational links on our social media platforms and advocate for global centric organizations by selling their branded products at select fundraising events and on our The Arts for Humanity Marketplace.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Through our Support Services, we have the potential to make a real and positive change. This is one of our key areas of focus here at The Arts for Humanity, and a source of much success for our organization. Get in touch with us today and see how you can lend a helping hand with this program.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Most of our efforts pertaining to this program involve studying new approaches and developing innovative ways to implement them. We evaluate our success in this field by gathering qualitative and quantitative data, and using that information to measure shifts and changes from our baseline measurements. The Arts for Humanity will serve as an advocate to promote education in the benefits of recognizing the global arts in healing. The organization will continuously strive to align our mission to recognize the need to protect our planet's environment and wildlife.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
We see every challenge as an opportunity, and this initiative helps us ensure that our partners are better prepared to manage the unique situations they find themselves in. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need, when they need it.
GET INVOLVED
We are so happy you’re interested in getting involved with our work here at The Arts for Humanity. There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our Humanitarian Organization and help to strengthen our operations.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together"
Vincent van Gogh
NEWS & VIEWS
Your "The Arts for Humanity" Resource Center
FROM IDEA TO REALITY: THE EVOLUTION OF THE ARTS FOR HUMANITY
1-ON-1 WITH THE ARTS FOR HUMANITY CEO
Don’t miss out on any of our media coverage.
The Arts for Humanity Team
OUR LEADERS
Committed to the Cause
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of The Arts for Humanity. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our team members.
NINA R. PETRARCA
President / Executive Director
As the founder of The Arts for Humanity and a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army Nurse Corps, it has become a personal mission to work in this capacity to better the livelihood of children who have been burdened with hardship. She has served on the Board of Directors for Nurses for the Nations, and where she discovered her passion for humanitarian work abroad. Nina has a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and General Studies from Rhode Island College, Providence, RI. She has completed advanced study courses in Global Health at George Washington University, Washington, DC, and is currently working on a Masters Degree in Political Science at the American Military University, Charles Town, WV.
SUSAN O'BRIEN
Director of Mission Work
Susan is a licensed Nurse Practitioner who has served over 30 years in the field of Oncology. As the Patient Care Director of Medical Oncology and Women's Health Services, she was responsible for day to day operations. As an Advanced Practice Nurse, she has held numerous positions within the continuum of patient care in a variety of health care settings. In the community, Susan has served on boards, coordinated fund-raising and provided care and education in 3rd world countries. Susan has a Masters in Nursing from Boston University, Boston, MA and a Adult Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA
HOLLY DEMERS SAWYER
Non-Profit Consultant
Holly serves as Associate Director in Project Management Services for Colliers Project Leaders. Her leadership in management is founded on more than twenty-five years of experience in the industry. She specializes in Contract Management, Construction Management, Customer Service, and Real Estate Development.
BRIGITTE CORCORAN
Director of Communications
Brigitte is a licensed Registered Nurse Consultant and Clinical Educator. She has a passion for education and will serve to enlighten the public with knowledge about matters in global health, environmental and wildlife issues and more through our social media outlets.
ELIZABETH REECE
Executive Administrator
Ms. Reece currently serves as the Chief, Information and Intelligence Analysis for the government in Colorado. She leads over 450 civilian, military and contract employees who analyze and disseminate intelligence against global weapons, space and target tracking mission set. Beth has extensive knowledge having served in a variety leadership roles at the branch, division and directorate level building relationships across the globe. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Maryland.