About Youth Life Center of the Arts

INTRODUCTION ABOUT US

We help adolescents discover their awesome.

We target the middle school population to encourage life-changing experiences for students in south metro Atlanta powered by the performing, visual, and culinary arts. 

In our family-style learning environment, we provide a safe space that engages young teens in exploration of themselves and their relationships with others. Through creative expression, they discover who they are, how they’re wired, and their reason for being.

Join us as we pursue our vision of community sustainability, educational advancement, and social development so that our youth gain a positive sense of self, family, and community.

Our Mission

Provide a safe space for adolescents learning autonomy

Our Vision

For EVERY child to discover that thing that makes their heart SING

Our Approach

Arts-based enrichment, academic support, and life-skills development

Our Focus

Middle schoolers aged 10-15, though we serve elementary ages

13+

YEARS OF

Serving Clayton County

Building character, confidence, and self-esteem through the ARTS since 2011

2011
Launch
CampXpressions is born
We launched our first CampXpressions summer performing arts program at Faith Walk Ministries
2013
The Gamble
Move to Riverdale, GA

Claressa Winston liquidated her personal assets in Los Angeles, and took a gamble on purchasing our facility in Riverdale, GA.

"I leveraged my children's inheritance to fulfill the purpose for which I was created."

2014 - 2019
In the Groove
Serving Clayton County's Youth

We serve over 250 youth per year in Clayton County, impacting four generations of children and families.

2020
Outreach in Crisis
Truly Happy Bellies

We served over 100,000 hot meals to children and provided groceries to families, making us a valuable pillar in the metro Atlanta community.

2022 and Beyond
Trailblazers in Adolescent Care
Adolescent Care Initiative

Post-COVID, our team of Youth Development Professionals remain more committed than ever to challenge adolescents to find their voice, and help them discover and develop their talents, gifts, and abilities.

Start your YLCOTA Experience

Whether your student is a talented starlet ready to shine or a creative dreamer looking to open doors, they’ll find their place at the Youth Life Center of the Arts. Schedule your Family Orientation visit today to get started.