Selah is just 15 years old but already has big dreams for her future. As a child, she battled a rare brain condition that through treatment has caused loss of peripheral vision on the left side of both of her eyes. Through Make-A-Wish, she got to visit Sony animation studios in California. She was inspired instantly and knew she wanted to pursue the arts for herself.

She began drawing and painting in her free time, and it became clear that she’s a natural artist. One day at a local thrift store, she saw a flyer for free guitar lessons. She knew that her family could never afford full priced lessons, so she excitedly told her mom about our Heartstrings Music & Art program. Soon, Selah was learning how to play guitar and helping with the arts and crafts for our other classes.

Today, Selah is a leader among her peers, working as a barista at the Heartstrings Coffee Bar, Germain Grounds. She still takes guitar lessons and helps create the example art pieces for the other kids. She wants to go to school for filmmaking when she graduates, still inspired by the trip to the animation studios all those years ago.

When asked to draw a Christmas scene for our annual Christmas card, Selah was excited to use her talents to thank our many community partners for their generosity and support.

There are many young kids and teens just like Selah with dreams for their futures. As a donor, volunteer, advocate, or partner, you are helping make their dreams a reality. Thank you for being the hope!

Below is a photo of the Christmas card artwork that Selah created.