our story
Our workshops are about creating a safe space for a small group of individuals to come together and share their experiences, emotions, and ideas with each other.
Our groups connect with each other, listen to each other, learn from each other, and provide healing for each other.
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.
Professional local artists, who serve as group leaders, receive training from WAV staff, then lead students through a healing-centered creative process, that can involve anything from recording a radio quality song, to painting, to writing and performing poetry, to learning to sing, dance and perform
WAV sessions focus on building self-esteem, character, and collaboration skills aligned to Social Emotional Learning strategies. Through interactive activities, small group discussions, meditation and mindfulness exercises and collaborative creativity, students get to know themselves and develop: respect for themselves and others; awareness of self and emotions; self-regulation skills; critical thinking and problem solving.