Supporting youth mental health through creativity and community.
HÚE is a nonprofit providing free creative wellness programs where young people build confidence, explore their emotions, and discover they belong.
A place where kids can create, connect, and be themselves.
At HÚE, we use art and creative expression as a pathway to mental wellness. Our programs are designed to give kids a safe, supportive environment where they can explore emotions, reduce stress, and build meaningful connections.
Ongoing classes that help kids process emotions through art, movement, and creative exploration.
Creative Wellness Classes
Community-based experiences that bring kids together through creativity, collaboration, and fun.
Workshops & Community Events
Therapeutic Support Resources
Access to mental health professionals, tools, and resources for kids and families who need support.
Why HÚE exists
Kids today are facing rising levels of anxiety, isolation, and emotional pressure. At the same time, access to affordable, consistent mental health support remains limited for many families in Central Oregon.
HÚE was created to help bridge that gap.
We are not a traditional art school, and we are not a clinical mental health provider. We exist in the space between, using creativity, connection, and community to support youth mental health in a way that feels approachable, welcoming, and accessible.
Our 9,000-square-foot downtown Bend facility serves as a creative home for young people, offering free creative wellness programs where students can explore art, music, self-expression, and personal growth. Licensed mental health professionals work alongside teaching artists, creating an environment where creativity becomes a pathway to confidence, emotional awareness, and healing.
At HÚE, kids discover new skills, build meaningful relationships, and learn that they are not alone.
500+
youths served in Central Oregon.
Free
access to mental health professionals every Monday for students and HÚE family members.
2 sessions
every Monday through Thursday of creative wellness classes.
Support HÚE
For many young people, HÚE is more than an after-school program. It's a place to create, build confidence, find support, and connect with a community that cares.
Through free creative wellness classes, nourishing meals, community partnerships, and access to mental health professionals, we're helping make wellness accessible to every family.
Your support helps ensure that no child is turned away from the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported.
Creative wellness programs
HÚE offers open creative classes where youth can explore art, music, and self-expression in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
Each class begins with inspiration or technique, followed by open studio time where students create freely.
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Explore drawing, painting, and mixed media while building confidence, emotional expression, and creative problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.
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Use music, rhythm, and movement to strengthen self-expression, reduce stress, and build confidence, connection, and emotional awareness.
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Learn storytelling, camera skills, and visual creativity while developing observation, communication, and confidence in sharing your perspective.
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Create with your hands through guided knitting and crochet projects that encourage patience, focus, mindfulness, and calming mental routines.
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Practice mindfulness, breathing, and grounding techniques that help improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, focus, and overall mental well-being.
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Brief (typically 30-minute-1 hour) sessions with licensed therapists designed to provide immediate support for youth in distress and bridge the gap until longer-term treatment is available for FREE to HUE kids and families.
Support your child in a way that feels natural
Not every child opens up through conversation — but creativity creates space for expression. Our programs are designed to meet kids where they are, helping them build confidence, process emotions, and feel a sense of belonging.
Testimonials
“The community at HÚE is really accepting, and kind and caring, and they’re always going to be there. That means a lot to me. They’ve helped me through my worst times. I think a lot of people go through difficulties in their own lives, and I think what HÚE does is a really major thing.”
Jasper, HÚE Student“HÚE saved my child’s life. They provided a safe place for them to and make them feel like they weren’t alone.”
HÚE Parent“Healing doesn’t always happen in offices or clinics; it happens in community. When kids are given a space to create, connect, and feel valued, we’re supporting their mental health in real, lasting ways.”
Dr. Heck, HÚE Volunteer
It Takes a Community
HÚE exists because of the people who believe in this work. Whether you give your time, resources, or support, you help create a space where kids can thrive.
Donate
Support programs and connect directly with youth.
Volunteer
Help keep programs accessible and running.
Corporate Partnerships
Partner with us to make a larger impact in the community.
Thank you to our community partners
We could not do what we do without your generosity and support.
Help a child feel seen, safe, and supported.
Your support helps provide free creative wellness programs, art supplies, nourishing meals, and access to mental health resources for kids who need it most.
Your Impact
$25 supports creative materials and supplies.
$50 helps cover staffing and programing
$100 helps support meals and pay for a welcoming space where kids can connect and create.
$200 covers a week of art supplies for dozens of students.
Monthly giving has the greatest impact, helping HÚE plan ahead, keep programs free, and ensure support is available year-round.