Amigo Spotlight: Decorative Arts Society

“They were prepared, eager and READY!” said Madeline Hayward, Grant Chair of Decorative Arts Society (DARTS), after volunteering with Hope Builders.

Last month, board members of DARTS had the opportunity to see the impact of their funds by participating in the mock interviews with trainees from Hope Builders’ healthcare program. DARTS is an Orange County based not-for-profit membership group, whose members are interested in design, decoration, and learning about current and historical art trends and perspectives. A portion of their membership dues supports their grants program, where DARTS invests in multiple non-profit organizations and programs that help empower women and their families in Orange County. Since 2016, DARTS has played a vital role in funding Hope Builders’ healthcare training program, where 94% of the youth served are young women.

“One of the most fulfilling things about our grants program is seeing our ‘Grant Funds at Work,’” said Hayward. “We were nothing but impressed with the healthcare training program that we support.”

DARTS’ board members had the opportunity to see the professional development of the healthcare trainees as they were nearing the end of their training. They also had the opportunity to hear about some of the tough realities youth face.

“Many have had so many early life experiences that, for most, would have prohibited them from succeeding out in the workforce,” said Hayward. “But I could see the spark in their eyes and the confidence, potential and invaluable experience that Hope Builders provided them with.”

The support of DARTS has made it possible for many young women in the healthcare training program to turn their lives around and have a fulfilling career and life.