We know this time of year can be bittersweet for some people. Looking back on this year it is certainly bittersweet for us now that we will be closing. Starting in January of 2022, Drawn from Valor will close its doors and will instead be working behind the scenes with the Superhero Project.
As we close out 2021, we are grateful that we have been part of your lives, creating engaging, science-backed, digital-first materials to help you and your loved ones live happier, healthier, longer lives. From launching The Empowernauts and the YANA kits to sharing the first digital comic of Tales of the Golden Acorn and expanding our Kara and the (Not So) Dire Beastie animation series, as well as being named an expert partner of the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition, we’re so proud of everything you have helped us accomplish.
Like many organizations, however, Drawn from Valor has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. After downsizing last year, and continuously trying to find paths to sustainability, we have realized that the best way to continue our mission and make a positive difference is to close our doors and place our content into the capable hands of The Superhero Project (SHP), a 501(c)(3) public charity devoted to empowering youth with serious illnesses and special needs by using the arts as a tool for healing.
Similar to DfV, The Superhero Project’s mission is guided by their core values of imagination, inclusion, representation, and joy. Under SHP, deserving children are connected with volunteer artists who bring the children's superhero personas to life. Drawn from Valor has always admired the work of SHP, and we know projects like the Empowernauts, YANA Kits, and more will find happy homes there. SHP Executive Director Lisa Kollins has a beautiful vision for DfV’s programs within SHP, and DfV’s Digital Art Director Taryn Cozzy will be joining Lisa at SHP as their Creative Director, helping shepherd and expand DfV’s content under the SHP banner.
What does this mean for you, our DfV family? All our existing content and resources will still be available to you on Drawn from Valor’s website, socials, and blog for the next year. Any new content will be created and hosted by The Superhero Project and will be shared on their website (https://www.superheroprojectkids.org) and socials (see below) as of January 2022.
As we close out this chapter of DfV, we want to say thank you. Thank you for supporting us and our programs; thank you to our volunteers and content creators who gave so much of their talents and time; thank you to our sponsors like Toon Boom and Wacom; thank you to our organizational friends and partners like the Lift and Shift Foundation, Psych Armor, and more. You have been so supportive these past 5 years, and it’s inspired us to create what we can to help others in turn.
Always and forever, please take care of yourself the best you can. Remember you are not alone, and know there’s always room for hope. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives the past few years, and please be sure to check out SHP.
The DfV Team
THE SUPERHERO PROJECT ONLINE:
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @TheSuperheroKid