2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit

The Art of Elysium

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Arts Services, Children & Youth, Health, Patient & Family Support, Youth Development

Mission: The Art of Elysium is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1997, by Jennifer Howell. We empower artists and communities of need to join together and emotionally triumph over their circumstances through art.

Target demographics: At-Risk Youth, Special Education Schools, Special Needs Community Centers for Adults, Youth dealing with Diabetes, Senior Community Centers, Homeless Adults & Elders, Homeless Youth and Families, Hospitalized Youth and Adults, Subacute Care Facilities, Visually Impaired

Direct beneficiaries per year: 43000 individuals

Geographic areas served: Los Angeles

Programs: We believe in using art as a catalyst for social change. Our “full circle” approach engages emerging artists in inspiring acts of service that forge opportunities for them to share their creativity in diverse and meaningful ways with individuals of need. We support and acknowledge our volunteer artists by providing platforms to showcase their art within the community. We thrive on our ability to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for the mutual exchange between artist and individuals in need. We provide artistic workshops in the following disciplines: Fashion & Design, Theatre & Film, Music & Movement and Visual Arts Programs. Art facilitates a freedom to think about life in ways never thought before. Our programs are designed to support individuals in the midst of difficult emotional life challenges like illness, hospitalization, displacement, confinement, and/or crisis by providing a variety of creative tools to help them realize relief, happiness, liberation and self-empowerment through exploration and expression in social and collaborative ways. For more information about volunteering in our community arts programs, please contact our Program Director, Leslie Culp at lculp@theartofelysium.org.

Community Stories

215 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Volunteer

Rating: 5

An incredible organization where you can see the direct and immediate effect of its work in the involvement and excitement of the children. I feel honored to be part of The Art of Elysium, and to be able to contribute in my small way!

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Such a wonderful to place to volunteer and have meaningful experiences with a joyful, caring and compassionate community of artists, health care workers and patients. The work they do is so powerful and rewarding. I feel honored every time I am chosen to volunteer. They are super organized and communication is stellar.

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

I had a chance to experience the inspirational work that The Art of Elysium provides first hand, when my son broke his arm and had to go through a number of surgeries. While, he was, in the hospital at CHLA, my husband and I witnessed the extraordinary programs this organization brought to recovering children through music and art. I think the inspiration and art therapy that The Art of Elysium brought my children while we had our stay at CHLA was a definite factor in the healing process. Not only for my son but also as a family seeing our children, engaged and expressing themselves artistically while enduring a rough stay at the hospital, truly meant the world to our whole family. Since then my husband and I have volunteered and had the opportunity to be even more inspired by this amazing organization. Each time I engage with The Art of Elysium I am reminded by the enormous power of good this organization brings to the community at large.

Jessica L.22

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is such a truly wonderful organization & one that I have had the pleasure of volunteering with for years. From the ease of setting up the initial orientation to the convenience and streamlined way of signing up for volunteer sessions, this non-profit shines behind the scenes, which really helps me & all the other volunteers, giving us the ability to focus solely on being present in the moment during our various volunteer workshops & being able to give our all to the kids we get to donate our time to. Because of The Art of Elysium, I am able to give my time, energy & creativity to something other than myself & I feel incredibly good about it & the tiny positive impact I am helping to make on the world.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

A few years ago I started volunteering for Art of Elysium as a musician. I've played in hospitals and care facilities, bringing songs to people of all ages and in all conditions, and it has brought me immense joy. The Art of Elysium performs in invaluable service by bringing those in need of the inspiration of music and art together with volunteers, and it succeeds in this endeavor beautifully. Their staff members are hard-working intermediaries who make the volunteers' job extremely simple. I am grateful for this organization.

Julia S.10

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium leads our communities at the intersection of art and humanity. Volunteering for The Art of Elysium is an entirely uplifting experience, and I am ineffably grateful for the opportunity to be involved. This remarkable organization and its incredible founder will stop at nothing to provide beautiful solutions in every place there is a need.

Sajji L.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium never fails to bring art back to the forefront, and refuses to compromise on the quality of care they show the people they work with. It's always an honor and privilege to get to work with and for this stellar organization! The founder's passion moves everyone lucky enough to be in their orbit.

Justin K.2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium has changed my perspective on giving time and creativity back to others. Working with such a stellar group of creatives inspires, enlights, and educates in ways that wouldn't be possible without this amazing nonprofit. To bring life to others through story and love is what it is all about.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Love the gifts this organization gives to the world and those children who need smiles the most! It is such a gift to be able to volunteer with them and be small a part of the joy they spread.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Every time I have an opportunity to volunteer with the Art of Elysium, my heart grows bigger. I am constantly amazed at the creative talents who join forces and bring art to life for children. For a few years now, I've acted out short stories and read books with young patients. The most rewarding experience is when animating these stories for all the young souls I see, their eyes and smiles brighten up the room and their hearts, no matter what challenges they face.  They inspire me every day! Thank you Art of Elysium for providing such opportunities to grow with humankind.

Client Served

Rating: 5

During these unprecedented times Art of Elysium has been consistent in bringing a bit of normalcy to our students' academic program though music. We have seen students with low verbal skills engage in music singing with joy. The happiness Art of Elysium brings to our students is priceless. We love you and thank you very much.

Randall D. Landeros-Holden

Katrina P.1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I absolutely love this nonprofit and have been volunteering for them for about 6.5 years now. The staff puts everything they have into their work and helps so many people in need. Artists love the opportunity to give back to their community in such a meaningful way. I loved what Art of Elysium does so much that I decided to get my master’s in arts in medicine, all inspired by this organization. ❤️

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The dedication of bringing art and inspiration through the act of creation to the people who need it the most is the foundation of The Art of Elysium's work. It is incredible to witness the joy brought to those they serve, the staff at the facilities and to the artists themselves. It is a full circle of inspiration and creation. Create. Transcend. Transcend. Create.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art Of Elysium is a dream come true! As a volunteer, I have witnessed their magic first hand and have been honored to join them on their quest to spread kindness, inspiration, laughter and love! Thank you AOE!! You have me for life! :)

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

My husband and I have been volunteering with The Art of Elysium since we first met them around 6 months ago. Each and every event has been inspiring, interesting and FUN!!! The organization brings such joy to all of the kids and their families and we are truly honored to be a part of it. My next event is this Thursday and I can not wait!!! :)

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium has made more than an impact on me, it has changed my life. For years, they have given me an opportunity to give back through the arts, by volunteering in children’s hospitals and schools, skid row shelters and with the elderly. Seeing the impact it has on the children, teens and adults has brought a fullness to my life that I didn’t know was missing until I experienced it. As an actor, this business exposes me to a lot of superficialities...this organization grounds me, reminding me why I do what I do and that we are all connected through love and the arts. I’m forever grateful to discovering The Art of Elysium and that we have been so fortunate to touch so many lives over the years. It has been my honor to serve as a volunteer and member of Host Committee because I see how this organization truly makes this world a better place.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have volunteered with The Art of Elysium for 10 years. I have seen first hand how much joy they bring to hospitalized children and their families. They have also provided me the opportunity to give back to our community by using my skills as a performer. They are a unique and vital organization and I whole heartedly support their mission.

-Molly S.

John R.6

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have known the founder my entire life and it has been amazing to watch this mission grow.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I've had the most wonderful experience volunteering with the Art of Elysium. The staff and other volunteers are caring, warm, generous and supportive. It's exciting meeting the other creatives involved, seeing their artistic gifts and having a sense of shared purpose and family with them. It's been heartwarming connecting with youth through A of E, feeling like what we're doing is uplifting and inspiring to all of us!

Alyssa H.3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

We had a wonderful time volunteering all summer with The Art Of Elysium. Their passion for service is so clear in their actions and we are so proud to be part of their organization.

Alice B.2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Supporting The Art of Elysium and getting to spend time with ill kids and teens in need has been an incredible experience. One that allows individuals to share love with each other through the arts. I hope to continue the work and to see the volunteering community grow.

Sherri G. K.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

Our Senior programs have been partnering with the Art of Elysium for over 4 years now. In the last 4 years, the creative programming they have brought to our Senior Centers has been amazing. Every staff member of their organization has always gone above and beyond to brighten our Seniors live. One of the Highlights last year was a Senior Prom. We had over 100 participants, and the event included great music, refreshments, decorations and we even Crowned the King and Queen and their Royal Court! Currently we have been able to have one of the Volunteers perform for us over ZOOM which was a memorable afternoon . I greatly appreciate everything the Art of Elysium has done for Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, and we will continue to work together.

Catherine66

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have volunteered with this organization for the past five years, and it's hands-down the best nonprofit I've been a part of. The Art of Elysium truly makes a difference in the lives of children and seniors in care facilities, which is an incredibly beautiful thing.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

Volunteering with AOE is one of the best experiences I've had in LA. The organization is super-well structured so that the artists can really connect with the kids. It's such an amazing program, getting to relate to the kids through art and help them enjoy it and have fun. The volunteers are awesome people, as well. I really can't say enough good things about this nonprofit!

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have been volunteering with the Art of Elysium for over 11 years. Even after all this time the same people (with some additional new faces) still have what seems like a never ending energy that inspires and brings out the best in people they encounter whether patients, parents, hospital staff or volunteers. They are like family to me now and fellow volunteers have become good friends. Every single experience has been amazing. Whether it’s doing art with children in the hospital, helping out with a prom for special needs students, holiday parties or special events- they quietly go about making Los Angeles a better place for so many people- myself included. I look forward to volunteering for many more years with AOE! Thank you AOE!

Volunteer

Rating: 5

As a volunteer with Th Art of Elysium I've had the opportunity to work with so many great people - the community we serve, the staff and the other volunteers. They work so hard to make experiences that are both memorable and fun for the people we work with. I love what they do and I am so glad to be a part of it!

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have been doing volunteer work with the Art of Elysium for over two years now and it has been very rewarding to create art with kids, adults and the elderly alike. Everyone on the team has been fantastic to work with, they bring so much fun and create such good memories for people in distress - their help is really invaluable and I am very happy to be able to contribute to it. I am looking forward to making more art with them in the future!

Previous Stories
1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have been volunteering for over a year now, mostly helping Krista doing bedside art with the kids in the hospital and teaching seniors new art techniques. It is not only gratifying to see kids and seniors alike having so much fun doing art, it has also been a great experience for me. They bring entertainment and fun to the less fortunate, all the staff is very pro and they are great people to work with.

Danielle H.3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Volunteering for The Art of Elysium is one of the highlights of my month. I'm a singer and travel room to room at the hospital singing songs for families and patients in the waiting rooms and bedside. It is so fulfilling to connect with people through music, to give a bit of joy in a most likely stressful situation. It creates such powerful moments. I feel such a sense of purpose from each volunteering opportunity. I almost feel guilty about how much I get out of giving to my community. I'm so grateful for Art of Elysium!

Nolan B.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I play guitar and sing for Art of Elysium. It truly is such a gift to be able to bring some light to people, mostly children in my case, if only for a few minutes in a day. I always leave my volunteering sessions with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I coordinate my dates/times volunteering with Andree Belle Conley, who is such a selfless, soulful person. It really is a privilege to be able to volunteer with an organization like Art of Elysium.

Client Served

Rating: 5

We enjoy the many program that they offer and bring so much joy and so many smiles to many families and children. The fashion and design program is amazing and creative as well as the visual art. Thank you so much Leslie , Amy, Krista and Shannon and the many volunteer that also come with their beautiful art . Bravo Joey too!!!

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium provides a great service to so many communities in the Los Angeles Area.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

For the last 3 1/2 years I have been running a program for Senior Adults in the Los Angeles Community. The majority of my participants, live on a fixed income, are food challenged, and many do not have families. I have a very limited budget for "extras" (art, entertainment ect). The Art of Elysium has provided my members with some many wonderful activities which have included , an annual Mother's Day Make Over event, Sweet Hearts Dance, Music, Dance, Studio Art classes, Improv Shows, Fashion and Design programs, hat making, & an amazing Senior Prom which we recently had . The professional staff and volunteers are amazing. The staff is very dedicated to their work and always put their HEART & SOUL into everything they do . The Volunteers show so much compassion for the participants and truly give 150% of themselves when they come to our Center. The program at my Senior Center continues to grow and thrive as a result of the partnership I have with the Art of Elysium. I am grateful for all of the creative programming they bring to our Center every month.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

As a volunteer, I look forward to participating in every Art of Elysium event I can make time for. The work they do across all their departments is creative and inspiring, particularly their Fashion Design program, where kids, young adults and seniors are really pushed beyond their creative limits to further create some beautiful things. I highly recommend getting involved in this organization even if you’re not a creative person.

Sheri K.2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium provides much-needed fun, art, and enjoyment to children and seniors who need it the most. I've been fortunate to volunteer with them for the past 4-5 years and have been continually impressed with the positive difference they make. Whether it's through bringing in authors to read stories, helping kids create their own stories, playing improv games to make kids smile, or finding new ways to make kids shine and smile, The Art of Elysium provides important, heart-centered services our Los Angeles communities.

Client Served

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is an amazing non profit organization! The AOE has provided many resources for high school students such as Fashion and Design, makeup-overs and bringing in professionals + volunteers to this school. It has brought much joy to many students.

Client Served

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is the best nonprofit organization. Which provides art, fashion, design, makeovers, music, and theater for our students. Moreover, the staff and volunteers at The Art of Elysium have bonded with our students and enriched their lives.

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

As a Child Life Specialist, we work with AOE to provide normalcy and assist patients with exploring their creativity within a stressful environment. It is such a pleasure to work alongside the director's and the volunteers they bring. Each director possess' an ability to individualize every project according to our patients strength's as well as recognize and offer additional resources to assist with their coping. Their contribution to our unit is invaluable, their magic is inescapable and their generosity is uplifting!!!

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

As a volunteer w/The Art of Elysium, the first thing that stands out is how incredibly well organized and thoughtful each exchange is – TAOE makes it logistically easy to volunteer. Beyond that simple but meaningful logistic, the underlying compassion and joy of the organization is contagious and inspiring. Their great work makes you (as a volunteer) want to do more great work, with them.

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

Art of Elysium has worked with LAFH, providing the music and movement and fashion and design programs. These programs have included and benefited children aged 8-12 greatly at our housing fancily in Boyle Heights (Comunidad Cesar Chavez).
We appreciate the partnership we have with Art of Elysium!

1

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

We are extremely grateful to Art of Elysium for coming every week to engage with our children who are experiencing homelessness. The children look forward to AOE volunteers coming every week and we've seen it lift their spirits during their time of transition. Thank you Art of Elysium!

1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I've been volunteering with this organization for a couple of years and they are such an amazing team! They do a tremendous amount of work with such dedication and poise. They are the best!
Volunteering and using art to support, empower, and bring hapiness to those indivuals in need is priceless! Amazing and gratifying experience.

1 Justin B.1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is such an amazing gem for LA, providing creative outlets from terminal patients, small children, to homeless teens and the elderly. The entire staff is exceptional and brings smiles to so many, opening up creative channels and fun interactive projects to feed their creative minds.

1

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

I am moved beyond words by the work done by The Art of Elysium. I have participated in several events with the charity and have seen first hand the joy that their outreach program has brought to countless children. I’m looking forward to becoming a volunteer myself.

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I love volunteering for The Art of Elysium. It’s the only time I forget all my problems and worries. I always feel like a million bucks when I leave one of their artists programs.

2 Cutter L.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have volunteered with Art of Elysium for a year and the experience has been very rewarding and beautiful. At a time when the quality of art programs in public schools continues to decrease or they completely disappear, the work Art of Elysium does is very important. And they do it with passion and purpose. Every month I spend 2 hours doing art projects on the pediatrics floor of a hospital in Los Angeles. The joy it brings to the kids is immeasurable. I have met kids experiencing all types of different medical situations and sometimes it is kids as young as 6 going through cancer treatment. And the fun and excitement they get in those 2 hours can give them just a little bit of hope and encouragement. Often the parents of the kids are there and they express how grateful they are to see their kid smiling and engaged in a project while they are in the hospital!

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

this is one of my favorite charities - has been for such a long time. the experience volunteering is as meaningful for the volunteer as it is for the recipient, and there is so much love involved in all aspects of everything The Art of Elysium and their incredible staff does to help people in need, and the artists who have a gift to give.

1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I’ve been a volunteer with the charity for 11+ years and in spite of being told I’m giving of my time I feel like I’m being given to more than I am actually giving. Going into hospitals and homeless shelters sharing art and participating in self esteem workshops is beyond rewarding, additionally meeting emerging artists who support the cause while also witnessing them flourish has been amazing. Attending and participating in signature events/fund raisers has also been an incredible experience. The charity has become like home and those involved like family. If you like fashion, music, fine art or film You will love and benefit from becoming a Volunteer, sponsor, donor, art collector or patron of arts.

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have witnessed first hand how this exceptional organization operates. Giving artists the opportunity to use their creativity in service not only inspires the creative process, but empowers varying individuals this organization proudly serves. Thanks to the Art of Elysium, I don’t know who benefited more, the people I had the good fortune to create art with, or me.

3

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

The programming with the Art of Elysium has so many avenues to touch our global community and mind set, that by activating our artist community in this way, the world can be forever a better place :)))))

3 Tracy Reyes S.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

Our children's hospital is so very lucky to have Art of Elysium visit our pediatric patients once a week, providing either music or fashion/art driven projects. Many of our chronic kids look forward to their visits and continue talking about what fun they've had long after they have left. Art of Elysium staff and volunteers do a phenomenal job of connecting with patients and providing them a sense of normalcy. They help break the monotony of their hospital stay and truly bring love, light and laughter to each child. We are ever so grateful for our friends at Art of Elysium.

2 Kevin A.1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The only non-profit I ever saw that lives what it preaches.

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I love this The Art of Elysium. The energy, love, leadership and service is exceptional.

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

It is amazing to see how art can brighten someone's day. I applaud the Art of Elysium and everything they do to help our community. It's been a wonderful and meaningful experience working with them!

3 Joan66

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I volunteered last week with their music program and was moved so much by the experience. The program director’s knowledge, consideration and kindness with myself, the children & elders I volunteered for, and the staff at the facility was next level! The experience was truly inspiring and I can’t wait to do it again xxx

Previous Stories
1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I have been volunteering with The Art of Elysium for many years now. Not only does it bring joy to the populations served, the experience provides the artist a chance to be reminded of a their greater purpose.
A circle of giving. A truly full circle charity. Thumbs WAY up!

1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Unique and meaningful experience!! I probably got more out of it than the kids.

2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Volunteering with Art of Elysium has been an incredible experience from writing a play with an amazing elder woman to creating sock puppets with kids at the hospital, every experience has really opened my eyes and my heart. Thank you!

3 Kathleen Tenefrancia

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is truly a unique organization, filled with kind hearts and brilliant minds. Their belief that art heals resonates within their incredible programs, ranging from children's hospitals to elder care facilities. It is such an honor to be able to volunteer with an organization that brings light to others!

2 Jorge S.

Volunteer

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is an extraordinary organization dedicated to serving various communities in need by connecting them with artists from all walks of life. Getting to witness first-hand the positive impact we get to make on these individuals is priceless. But one of the finer points nobody prepares you for is the growth each and every artist experiences as a result of their participation. It really cannot be accurately verbalized. The world needs more organizations like The Art if Elysium, for everyone's sake.

2 Tash S.

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium celebrates 20 years in August! I am so honored to be part of this organization that focusses on empowering those in the midst of challenge and/or crisis by connecting artists to communities of need. I have seen first hand the healing powers that creativity brings to those that need it most and how artists who use their creativity in service, too are changed. I'm so excited about all that the future holds as artists truly have the power to change the world through art!

Previous Stories
3

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is not only a non-profit organization, it is a full-circle movement that empowers both individuals in communities of need and artists who generously volunteer their time and talents.
The launch of Elysium Bandini Studios has created unprecedented opportunities for artists and communities to come together despite their current challenges and/or crisis. It has been an absolute honor to be a part of an organization that continues to change the face of philanthropy through the healing power of art.

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2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I've known of the charity a few years and have heard of all the great work they do. More recently, I've volunteered and no words can express the wonderful impact it has on the volunteers and the communities served. The work of the charity truly is inspiring and shows the important impact art has on the world at large. Thank you Thank you!

3

Client Served

Rating: 5

We had an amazing charity event in Santa Monica and one of the reasons it was SO successful was due to The Art of Elysium. We were so happy with the professionalism of this nonprofit organization and now incredibly helpful and accommodating Amy Belknap was with our event. They really did go above and beyond to help us make our event special. We had over 500 people on the day and a lot of children that of course love music, crafts and having their face painted.
We at the Walk for Williams Syndrome Association are all so grateful for the time and hard work that was put in to making our event the best year so far!
We would highly recommend The Art of Elysium and I hope to have them at our future events.
Thank you again for everything you have done for us, we look forward to our future events with The Art of Elysium!
Michelle Oliver
Coordinator of the Walk for Williams Syndrome

4 Susann E.

Client Served

Rating: 5

I took the course. A few years later was attacked in a public restroom. The guy was much bigger than me. I knocked him out. I was not raped! I'm a huge advocate!

2

Former staff

Rating: 5

The Art of Elysium is a special organization that provides an opportunity for creative artists to share their talents in a meaningful way. Most artists know how life enhancing their creative process is for them, and thus how beneficial it can be for others. The Art of Elysium provides access to settings not available to the general public and support to artists in understanding how to adapt their art process to the settings.

3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

Iv'e been a volunteer for this amazing group for over 6 years now. It's such wonderful experience to help out in any way I can.To see these children happy mean the world to me. I don't get to volunteer as much as I would like , but I'm always so blessed to help. The best part is knowing you made a child smile for the day. Wonderful organization!!

3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

I've had the pleasure of working with the Art of Elysium for the past few years and it's been an amazing experience. You're able to brighten a child's day and help them take their mind off being in treatment. The organization makes it very easy to pick days/times that work for your schedule, and plan different projects that you think the kids would enjoy. Being able to brighten someone's day is priceless.

3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

If you want to have fun, work with inspiring artists, and make kids excited about life- this is the organization for you. Our workshops are designed to help kids forget, for the slightest moment, that they are in the hospital. To see the resilience of special needs kids (in a creative environment) is an awesome experience. The Elysium is good for the soul!!! The program directors are very organized, and the art events are really cool. They make it easy to find your way to the work locations, and are always there to make sure you feel comfortable in new surroundings. To be a volunteer, with such a giving organization, offers a great sense of accomplishment and pride. It is easy, super fun, and social.