Renee Andrea Mills, of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, thinks every community needs exposure to art, and outlets for creativity. For 25 years, she has worked toward that goal, creating programs and spaces for children and teens to make art.
Motivated to help homeless communities while in a leadership training program at CHOP, Mills created an artist-in-residence program for teens living in shelters. Currently, Mills, who works specifically in HUP Nursing Administration, volunteers for Forget Me Knot Youth Services, and Youth Emergency Services, where she leads art classes.
“I want to help them capture and maintain tranquility while creating their works of art, regardless of their housing situation,” says Mills.
For her work and dedication, Mills is slated to receive a Penn Medicine CAREs grant, which will fund future art supplies.
Read more from HUPdate at Penn Medicine News.
