Our Story

Our workshops are about creating a safe space for a small group of individuals to come together, share their experiences, emotions, and ideas with each other.

They connect as a group, listening and learning from one another, gaining understanding and empathy.

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Our Roots

Formerly The Dick & Jane Project, WAV’s mission is to amplify to empower underrepresented voices through creativity . Founded as an after-school songwriting program by Columbus-based charter school administrator Ben Shinabery in 2011, WAV has since provided programming in over 30 Central Ohio schools, and 15 community programs serving between 250-350 individuals annually.

Our Process

We lead groups through a healing-centered creative process, that involves different mediums from recording a radio quality song, to painting, writing and performing poetry, learning to sing, and performance.

WAV sessions focus on building self-esteem, character, and collaboration skills aligned to Social Emotional Learning strategies. Through interactive activities, group discussions, mindfulness exercises and collaborative creativity, participants get to know themselves and develop: respect for themselves and others; awareness of self and emotions; self-regulation skills; critical thinking and problem solving.