Youth Arts: Unlocked (YAU), a local nonprofit that brings the visual, performing and healing
arts to youth in the juvenile justice system is proud to announce a number of exciting
developments within the organization.
YAU conducted a rigorous and extensive search for an executive director who understood the
mission and goals of YAU. In May, the board hired Ann Kita, a native of Genesee County who
had recently returned home after time spent as the executive director of Sistercare, Inc. a
domestic violence agency in Columbia, South Carolina. For over twenty years, Ann Kita has
worked in the nonprofit sector in Genesee County, beginning with the Genesee County Friend of
the Court. She also served as director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services at the YWCA Greater Flint.
Ann Kita possesses the energy and innovative ideas that YAU was searching for amongst the field of highly qualified candidates.
When asked about her new position Ms. Kita stated, “Investing in the development of our justice involved youth is providing this generation access for healing, discovery and finding their self-worth. I look
forward to sharing how YAU is making a difference.”
YAU moved their office into the city of Flint this summer.
“We are excited to be a part of the energy and arts culture of downtown Flint” explained Board President Steven Hull.
Hull added: “YAU has always been involved in and supportive of the downtown community. Now our
offices have a place here as well.”
YAU is an established and integral part of providing justice involved youth with ways to grow, learn and express themselves. With sincere gratitude to federal, state, local and foundation funding, YAU is excited to be focusing on environmental issues, such as the ten-year anniversary of the Flint Water Crisis, through their many workshops this year.
YAU will be highlighting all the artistic expressions through local exhibits in 2024 – 2025.
For more information about Youth Arts: Unlocked please visit www.youth-arts-unlocked.org
