The Cove Heart of Texas is a place where students can get help if they are experiencing youth homelessness. Recently, a new mural was created through Creative Waco by three young women who say the mural means more than a warm welcome.
"Being in their shoes, the students here at the Cove, I know what you think when you walk in and it's intimidating and you think you are just going to be another number," said Passion Salazar.
The Executive Director of The Cove, Kelly Atkinson, says their building is a place of hope and unity.
"A lot of times for our teenagers, they are in a rough spot and there are things going on in their families, relationships, housing, school and a lot of times that makes them feel like they are alone. So it's important for us to send the message that they are not alone," said Kelly Atkinson.
Passion Salazar and Kelle DeSouza know firsthand what it's like.
"As a student in The Cove it can be intimidating especially when you are new and so when they first walk into the room, we wanted them to see something welcoming," said Salazar.
"I graduated with Passion in 2018 from The Cove. I just love what it is going to do for The Cove, it was really important for me to give back," said DeSouza.
Passion, Kelle and Brenisha took on a project through Creative Waco to create an almost 20 foot mural inside of The Cove. A project they hope will not only make students feel welcome but encouraged to push on.
"A lot of the students who come here come from a broken background and it shows that no matter if something is broken or not you can still come together and make something beautiful," said Brenisha Thompson.
The mural highlights the strength through a bird made up of different pieces.
"The force that is behind the wings of the bird, lifting the bird up and the anticipation of what is next for every young person who comes through these doors," said Stefanie Wheat-Johnson, Program Manager for ArtPrenticeship.
If you or someone you know is in need of support from The Cove, give them a call at (254) 224-6095.
The mural became a reality through the ARTPrenticeship Program under Creative Waco. Since 2018, they have focused to empower young creatives and bring color to the city. If anyone is interested in learning more about the program, give them a call at (254) 300-8677.
