Congresswoman Wilson Presents $500,000 Check to Support Arts-Based Youth Based Mental Health Initiative, “I Am Me, at Adrienne Arsht Center

On Saturday, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) visited the Adrienne Arsht Center to present a check of $500,000 to support the "I am Me," an Arts-Based Youth Mental Health Initiative in Miami-Dade County. Launched in early 2022, "I am Me" is a theatrical production and interactive workshop, produced and presented by the Arsht, that travels within M-DCPS, aiming to engage up to 25,000 high schoolers each year. This initiative is designed to support teenagers by offering resources to enhance their mental health. This funding was a part of the Congressional Appropriations for the Fiscal Year of 2023.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, "Initiatives like 'I Am Me' are impactful resources that leverage the arts to foster mental health and resilience, and we need to see more of this. It's a strengthen to seek help, not a weakness and supporting these programs provides our children with the necessary resources to thrive. I would like to express my gratitude to the Adrienne Arsht Center for leading this initiative and striving to build a healthier, more hopeful future for all young people."

"I am Me" serves as the first arts-driven mental health initiative of its kind.

"The Arsht is grateful that Congresswoman Wilson shares our belief that the arts can be a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and each other. I am Me is an important mental wellness initiative that can help spark important conversations among teens about mental health, and we are grateful to have the financial support to allow the Arsht to offer this experience to every Miami-Dade high school each season." Johann Zietsman, President and CEO, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, said.

"I am Me" has received the praised and accommodation of students on cast writers alike. For example, Director of "I am Me" and playwright Teo Castellanos said, "'I am Me' calls for the attention we need to place on our young people." One M-DCPS student, Isaiah Marcelin, said "The show has definitely inspired me to be more open about my emotions, inner thoughts and feelings."

Following the check presentation, attendees enjoyed a free performance as part of the Arsht Center's Free Family Fest featuring "The Busy Bees' Great Adventure," created to inspire responsible environmental citizenship.

"I am Me" is one of 12 education programs offered by the Arsht Center and serving 80,000 students each year. To learn more about Arsht Impact programs, visit arshtcenter.org/education

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