Artvango was founded in July 2017and is an extension of our family as we are making a positive impact in children's lives. Our family grew from 2 kids to 4 kids in less than 1 year, when we were blessed to adopt our 2 children from the foster care system. Our journey hasn't always been easy as I know 1st hand the desperate need to help heal children affected by trauma. By profession, I am a board certified art therapist and work with children affected by trauma on a daily basis and it is my life mission to make a positive difference in a child's life. 

My family and I created Artvango due to the growing need for mental health services as the cycle of abuse and neglect on children continues to rise in Bexar County. On any given day in 2018, there were 500,000 children in the foster care system in the United States. In Texas there were 193,984 and in Bexar County 15,227 children were a part of the foster care system! In addition, more children are being institutionalized for mental health issues and or being returned back into foster care after years of being adopted! This is why Artvango is a necessity for the San Antonio community as we work with the children and their families to heal their past and provide them with the therapeutic tools they need to be the best versions of themselves. 

The impact of non-traditional mental health techniques such as art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, animal assisted therapy, meditation and EMDR therapy has a positive impact on children dealing with difficult issues such as trauma. 

Children who are otherwise limited in the ability to voice their needs, thoughts, and feelings can develop a healthy style of communication, emotional regulation, resiliency, while using the creative arts as a form of self-expression. This is accomplished by providing a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment and age appropriate programs in which children can participate in different creative activities. We also have an emotional support dog in training named Bailey who loves children and is very compassionate.

 Providing services to both the children and their families improves their knowledge of how trauma affects the brain, improve family communication, promote nurturing, and develop appropriate strategies for coping with life’s struggles.

Please support Artvango with your financial contribution and make a positive impact on our children, community, and our future.

Thank you for supporting our mission and our community,

Yadi Puente

CEO, Board Certified Art Therapist