A.R.T.C. began as a
program to provide substance-abusing adolescents the opportunity to tap into
creative talents and convey emotions through the arts. Having experienced great
success providing this service to our adolescent substance abuse consumers, PFH
has begun implementing A.R.T.C. within select adult substance abuse treatment
programs, and recently initiating an independent A.R.T.C. program funded by the
Franklin County Children and Families Community Resource Board and being
provided to high risk youth in Franklin County in Missouri. 
Using a variety of
artistic mediums, A.R.T.C. participants learn to lower their defenses and
express feelings without the use of mood-altering substances, and in doing so,
discover parts of their selves that were otherwise hidden by a multitude of
negative coping strategies and life circumstances. Participants further explore
feelings and expand communication skills by discussing their completed projects
in group and individual counseling settings. As their strengths and talents are
validated by others, the participants experience an increase in confidence and
self-worth. A.R.T.C. uses visual arts, music, and creative writing to encourage the expression of difficult emotions and provide consumers with an opportunity to explore activities that can serve as a means of healthy recreation as they strive to remain drug-free, let go of high risk behaviors and cope with difficult situations. Currently A.R.T.C. is offered within 15 PFH programs that serve youth and families across the state of Missouri and Kansas.
Despite our growth, we are far from reaching our goal. Our mission
is to be a more centralized component of our
comprehensive treatment programs and to continue to offer A.R.T.C. to
large consumer bases.Our goals include acquisition of additional musical equipment and instruments, photography equipment, and
videography equipment. The remarkable impact of creative expression
on the consumers with whom we work becomes more evident every day.
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