Earlier this spring, students from Job Point’s YouthBuild and Carpentry programs constructed the art shed. They worked together to build an 8-by-12 structure, adding 96 square feet of creative space. Designed to be accessible by residents year-round, the shed boasts its own generator, natural and artificial lighting and climate control systems.
“Of course, we were excited to work on this project as an organization, but I think it really meant a lot to our students to know they were working on a project that was going to help other young people in their community,” said John Scalise, president and CEO of Job Point. “Young people helping young people is always a great thing to see. These are the future leaders of our community, but they are already doing great things to serve others.”
The project reflects a growing need for self-care for youth experiencing homelessness. Since 2019, Flourish has provided housing for 52 young people, totaling 9,718 bed nights, an average of 388 nights of shelter and stability per youth. The art shed stands as a blank canvas, ready to be filled with a new vision, one that inspires resilience, creativity, and rest.
“We wanted to create more than just a room, we envisioned a space where young people can step away, unwind, and restore their peace,” said Beatrice Stewart, Executive Director of the Flourish Initiative. “Living with others can be overwhelming at times, and having a corner of calm to decompress, reflect and rediscover hope gives them the reset they need to truly flourish.”
The partnership doesn’t end with the art shed. Access Arts, a Columbia-based nonprofit, is joining the collaboration to help shape the space into an area that fosters creative expression on a variety of mediums. “We’re thrilled to support Flourish in this fun, new project,” said Sarah Catlin, Executive Director of Access Arts. “Bringing art education, and the community building that comes with it, to people who might not otherwise have access to it are the heart of our mission.”
“I am super excited to have our own space that’s just for art and can’t wait to put all the new art supplies to use” said a current Flourish transitional housing resident.
This project was supported by generous donations from the Downtown Optimist Club and the Community Foundation of Central Missouri.
The press and community members are invited to meet at Job Point’s office at 400 Wilkes Blvd, where they can catch the shuttle to the Art Shed location. The exact address and location will be kept private for the safety of shelter residents.
About Job Point
Job Point is Missouri’s premier employment center and Community Development Corporation. Since 1965, we have been linking people and jobs by providing career planning and job placement assistance. We specialize in preparing individuals to enter the workforce, while meeting a critical need of the business community. The organization is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, with services extending to Moberly, Boonville and the surrounding communities. Job Point provides employment services, vocational training, community development and educational opportunities to central Missouri, helping people overcome the barriers in their lives to achieve long-term economic stability. Since 2003, Job Point’s YouthBuild program has helped over 1,100 youth and young adults reclaim their education and build the skills they need for life-long learning, leadership and personal and professional success.
For additional information, contact John Scalise, President & CEO of Job Point at johns@jobpoint.org or (573) 474-8560.
About Flourish Initiative
Flourish is an independent nonprofit organization serving youth encountering educational and economic barriers. Our purpose is to interrupt cycles of poverty and support youth however we can as they work toward a better future. Since 2019, Flourish has provided housing for 52 youth, totaling 9,718 bed nights, an average of 388 nights per youth and more. © 2025 Flourish. A 501(c)(3) public charity, organized under the Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act.
About Access Arts
Access Arts has served the Columbia community for more than 50 years by making art accessible to anyone regardless of age, ability or economic circumstance. Unique class offerings take place inside spacious studios with professional equipment and high-quality instructors. Details at www.schoolofservice.org.
For additional information, please contact Sarah Catlin at (573) 875-0275 or email Director@SchoolOfService.org.
