PHOENIX — Every day is a roll your sleeves up kind of day at Free Arts in Phoenix.
Free Art is a program that uses art and self-expression to help kids heal the traumas of their past. Many are dealing with abuse, neglect, or homelessness.
"I have a strong desire to pay it forward for all the blessings I got," explained volunteer mentor Stacy Goshinska. "Yes, life is hard. You got to keep going. That's the message I really like to share with the kids."
Goshinska has been volunteering with Free Arts for the past five years. Ask any of the other volunteer mentors at Free Arts, and they will tell you that Goshinska is always finding ways to go above and beyond for the kids.
"When they start feeling comfortable and safe, they start sharing their life stories about difficult times," Goshinska said.
Goshinska knows a thing or two about difficult times. She immigrated from South Korea as a child, and when she was 19-years-old, her father died suddenly.
"If it's an issue that I dealt with when I was little like bullying or being lonely, I start talking about my life, and they start opening up, and that's when the healing starts," Goshinska said.
And Stacy Goshinska, it's that larger than life heart that makes you one of Nick's Heroes!
If you would like more information about Free Arts, head to FreeArtsAZ.org.
All around us in the Valley, people go above and beyond to help make our community even better. We want to know who they are! Nominate someone today and tell us why they should be one of Nick's Heroes. They could win a $500 gift card from our friends at Valley Toyota Dealers.
