EnvistaCares Challenge Highlights Van Go, Inc.
The Van Go, Inc. story begins with Lynne Green, founder of the Van Go Mobile Arts in 1997 – Green believed that art-making is transformative and healing and with a donated checker limousine and a $2,000 grant from the Kansas Arts Commission, she drove to local elementary schools and to the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, bringing art and inspiration to youth. A growing demand for the program prompted the organization to rent a space accessible to the youth being served in East Lawrence neighborhoods and that space soon blossomed into Van Go, Inc.
Van Go, Inc. is a nationally recognized, arts-based employment program for teens and young adults ages 14 – 24. Van Go has become a fixture in the social service landscape of Lawrence and receives federal WIOA support for its job training program. Using art as the vehicle for self-expression, self-confidence and hope for the future, Van Go empowers young people to create their own vision of success.
“I have always been interested in art – getting a job where I get to make art all day seemed like a dream. Working at Van Go turned out to be so much more than creating art. I made friends and I became part of a supportive and wonderful community that care about one another. These reasons are why I continue to come back,” said Van Go graduate.
“Van Go is more than a job, it’s more than art – these young adults have created their own community within the walls of Van Go – they have learned life skills and have learned to lean on one another for support while creating beautiful, memorable and monumental pieces of art for clients and for the Lawrence community that will leave lasting impressions,” said Erika McNeill, engagement coordinator for Envista. “We are happy to walk alongside them this month advocating for their great work and inspiring others to support them.”
The EnvistaCares Challenge includes a challenge grant and a media and marketing package. Through the challenge grant, Envista will match the first $2,500 donated to Van Go during the month of August. Giving can be done online at www.envistacares.com. The media package provided by Envista is valued at $10,000 and includes a month of promotion through emails, social media, radio, and more.
