Expressive Arts Treatment Program

Youthville is committed to caring for children in an innovative way that encourages growth mentally, physically, and creatively through all forms of expression. As an in-patient treatment option in Newton, Kansas, for children between the ages of 10 and 18, Youthville engages disadvantaged youth in fun, creative, and meaningful outlets of expression through the Expressive Arts Program (XAP). The XAP features the following programs:

A Window Between Worlds

This nationally certified, artistic expression program is designed for youth that have been in contact with domestic violence. Each week youth participate in this program to express themselves with art. Program staff believe that artistic expression promotes healing and health.

Creative Arts Program

This program engages youth in drumming circles, puppet shows, grab-bag-drama, and many other artistic endeavors. Through these outlets along with music, drama, poetry, and prose, art can be life changing. Every youth on the Newton campus participates in the Creative Arts Program.

Expressive Arts Center (XAC)

Grants from the Kansas Health Foundation and Youthville's own Mission Enhancement Program, have allowed for Ward Hall to be renovated and re-opened as the XAC. The following rooms were created:

• Note - The Note is a music room that offers beginning guitar lessons, drumming circles, and stereo system for lyrical analysis or just listening to good music.
• Globe - The Globe is a small theater with a stage that is used for reader's theater, psycho-drama, grab-bag-drama, and many other dramatic exercises. Talk therapy also takes place here.
• Nook - With clouds painted on the ceiling and lots of pillows, The Nook is a perfect place for relaxation. It is used for group therapy sessions.
• Mastery and Above Lounge - Every Friday afternoon the Mastery and Above Lounge opens its doors to youth who have earned the privilege through good behavior to come inside. They can play air hockey, foosball, Playstation 2, sing karaoke, watch movies, or just hang out.
• Point Store - Every week youth have the opportunity to "spend" points they have earned at our fully stocked general store. Youth can buy everything from blankets to CD players. The most popular items are pop and candy.
• Art Room - Our art room is stocked with lots of supplies, and creativity abounds here. This room is home to the Windows Between Worlds Program.
• GEAR UP Center - Through a partnership with Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP, a program of Wichita State University, and a grant from AT&T, we have established a computer lab in the basement of the XAC. The GEAR UP Center was established to provide technical resources for the youth on the Newton campus.

This program is dependent on donations. If you would like to donate, click here.