I've heard of some very interesting programs -- for example, there's a
center for the homeless in South Bend that tries to provide for "the
whole person" at its site -- it requires clients who stay for more than
two weeks to enrol in a program that is designed to move them,
eventually, into their own housing.  Besides providing health care,
counseling, etc., on-site, it also has established a program with the
local art museum.

Three weeks into the six-week program, clients spend a day at the
museum.  They get studio art work; lunch; and a guided tour.

At first, the center wanted the museum educators to provide a program at
the center rather than the museum.  They eventually figured out, however,
that it works better off-site.  In the words of the educator, it comes as
a surprise to them to feel welcome in a place they didn't expect to be.
He also said that, basically, there needs to be some counterpoint to what
is, at the moment anyway, a fairly grim time for them, and bringing them
to the museum is better than segregating them entirely in the center.  And
also, that the art course gives them new tools for perceiving the world
around them, which, obviously, changes their "outlook" -- literally.

The point being, I guess, that social service and an art-related mission
*can* be closely linked.

Andy Finch
AAM Government Affairs
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