As the conversation surrounding what to do with the thousands of immigrant children continues, here in the Valley, one organization is helping families in similar situations separated by deportation, and they're relying on creativity to help.
For several years, a Phoenix group called Aliento, which translates to encouragement, has been helping kids who have a parent that is deported.
They say they're not pushing any political agenda. The group is giving children the opportunity to express themselves through drawing, painting and other types of art.
In the era of what some would consider not so subtle racism, everyone is listening. Even when you think they're not.
"I like this painting, you can see all the colors in it, none of them are more important than others,” said 10-year-old Angie Sandoval. She said she aspires to one day inspire with her art.
"My favorite kind of art is abstract,” said Sandoval.
Her interpretation of reality comes through with every sketch depicting what she believes is people’s interpretation of undocumented immigrants versus reality.
"It's the comments people say about immigrants, but this is reality," said Jose Patino, a spokesperson from Aliento, as he looked at a piece of art. "People are working. See, this is a broom and people working in construction.”
As does her peers because this art class is for children who either have a parent that has been deported or detained from the United States.
"Then helping them understand it's not their fault,” said Patino.
And then answering the tough questions.
"The first one is that, 'why do they hate us?' Then the second comment is 'but I am human am I not?'” said Patino.
Angie was 4 years old when her father was detained by immigration officials.
"I remember looking at my sister's eyes and she's telling me it's going to be okay,” said Sandoval.
Aliento says they’re not motivated by any political agenda, just the notion that these children will likely be traumatized by their experience. They hope that art will help alleviate whatever emotional struggle they’re going through.
"I understand this all legality and politics, but at the end of the day, we are talking about human beings and children who are innocent,” said Patino.
And so that's what they're offering, Aliento, or encouragement. Showing that color, on a white backdrop, even when mixed all together, can be seen as something beautiful.
"Once you come in, you feel nervous, but once you come out, you're smiling,” said Sandoval.
Aliento is still enrolling children for their summer courses. For more information cli
ck here.