Juniper Arts Brings Creativity to Vulnerable Kids in Wichita

Nonprofit provides art and music classes to children in foster care and juvenile detention

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A Wichita nonprofit called Juniper Arts Academy is providing art and music classes to children in foster care and juvenile detention facilities, giving them a space to just be kids and connect with their creativity. The program uses trauma-informed approaches to help these vulnerable youth develop self-esteem, cope with their experiences, and experience the therapeutic benefits of the arts.

Why it matters

Children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems often lack access to traditional childhood development activities like art, music, and other creative outlets. Juniper Arts is filling this gap by bringing these enriching experiences directly to the youth, helping them heal from trauma and build important life skills.

The details

Juniper Arts Academy was founded in 2021 by Lisa Paine, who saw a need for more creative outlets for youth in residential facilities and detention centers in the Wichita area. The nonprofit sends trained instructors and volunteers to these facilities weekly to teach art and music classes, using trauma-informed techniques to support the children. The classes help the kids, ranging from ages 10 to 18, to regulate their emotions, build self-esteem, and experience the calming effects of creative expression. Juniper Arts partners with local organizations like EmberHope and the Wichita Children's Home to reach these vulnerable youth.

  • Juniper Arts Academy was founded in 2021.
  • The nonprofit provides weekly art and music classes to youth in residential facilities and detention centers.

The players

Lisa Paine

The founder and executive director of Juniper Arts Academy, who started the nonprofit after identifying a gap in creative programming for children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

Juniper Arts Academy

A Wichita-based nonprofit that provides art and music classes to children in foster care and juvenile detention, using trauma-informed approaches to support their development and well-being.

EmberHope

A Wichita-area organization that partners with Juniper Arts to bring the nonprofit's programming to youth at its Newton campus.

Wichita Children's Home

A Wichita-area organization that partners with Juniper Arts to bring the nonprofit's programming to the children it serves.

ShaQiyla Banks

A senior independent living trainer at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention and Residential Facility, who has seen the positive impact of Juniper Arts' programming on the youth in her care.

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What they’re saying

“Trauma can actually stunt childhood development up to half their age. So I could be working with a 16 year old, and developmentally they could be 8 but have the street smarts of a 30 year old. Their brain has not been in a space where they felt safe to grow, so giving them these traditional childhood experiences in a space that is trauma-informed allows them to do some of that catch-up work.”

— Lisa Paine, Founder and Executive Director, Juniper Arts Academy (klcjournal.com)

“Sometimes they're dealing with strong emotions, and they don't do well with those strong emotions. Being able to learn different techniques, whether it's through music or art, just really plays a significant role here at our detention facility.”

— ShaQiyla Banks, Senior Independent Living Trainer, Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention and Residential Facility (klcjournal.com)

“Very, very disruptive. Really angry, cussing everyone out. So we got her to Juniper. I'll tell you, those people are saints. Lisa is amazing. I don't know how she got through to this kid, but she went from running off and being disruptive to helping Lisa run the group.”

— Mandy Powell, School Liaison and Activities Coordinator, EmberHope Newton Campus (klcjournal.com)

What’s next

Juniper Arts Academy plans to continue expanding its programming to reach more youth in the Wichita area who are in foster care or the juvenile justice system, providing them with vital creative outlets and trauma-informed support.

The takeaway

Juniper Arts Academy is filling a critical gap by bringing art and music classes directly to vulnerable children in Wichita's foster care and juvenile detention facilities. By using trauma-informed approaches, the nonprofit is helping these youth develop important life skills, cope with their experiences, and simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of creative expression - something all children deserve.