L.I.M.A.

According to the CDC’s 2010 report on understanding youth violence, about 16 young people are murdered every day and about 32% of high school students reported being in a physical fight within the last 12 months.¹ However, these numbers do not just reflect a national problem. The city of Lima has a violent crime rate that exceeds those of most major Ohio urban centers, including Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Our violent crime rate even outpaces New York City’s.² Connected Hands Helping Others’ program, Little-ones Impacted by Media & Arts (LIMA), looks to address these trends by engaging the youth of the community, offering them free access to the arts. LIMA operates under two guiding principles: that anyone can engage and excel in the arts and that the arts offer alternate, non-violent forms of self-expression. Our curriculum encompasses a broad range of arts and fine arts, including but not limited to sculpting, painting, photography, creative writing, drama, music, and dance. Our leaders and facilitators represent the community's vibrant and continually growing art culture.

Check out what other artists, like Eddy Van Halen and Yo Yo Ma, are doing for their communities to further the arts. And check back soon with CHHO for dates and availability for our free arts programs. Or send us an email if you're interested in giving your student an opportunity to make a positive impact on not just their own life but in their community as well.

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1 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding Youth Violence: Fact Sheet 2010.

2 The Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2009 Violent Crime Rates. Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics.