Can The Arts Really Change Lives?

Jonai Agee has loved art for as long as she can remember.

“My mom even bought me a toy sewing machine when I was little,” she says with a smile. “And my grandma crochets and knits—so I was always around creativity.”

But it wasn’t until she walked into Rainey Institute that Jonai truly began to grow—not just as an artist, but as a person.

“I was scared that first day,” she recalls. “I didn’t know anyone and didn’t want to talk. But then I had a printmaking class and ceramics with Ms. Gina, and I loved it. That’s when I started to open up.”

Now, just a few years later, Jonai is a Teaching Assistant at Rainey, a Rainey Kid Alumni Honoree, and an incoming fashion design student at Kent State University—all before she turns 20.

A Place to Create. A Place to Discover Who You Are.

Jonai first joined Rainey as a student in the After-School Program in 2021. Like many young people who walk through our doors, she already had a spark—but Rainey helped it catch fire.

Through hands-on art classes, encouraging mentors, and a supportive community, Jonai found her voice, and a sense of purpose.

“Rainey made me want to show off my art. And the more I improved, the more I felt like I was improving as a person, too.”

That confidence carried over into her first-ever job working as a Teaching Assistant for Rainey’s Summer Camp. Before long, she was also hired as a Teaching Assistant for the After-School Program, and became a role model for kids just like her.

“It’s full circle,” she says. “Some of the kids I used to teach are my coworkers now. I watched them grow up. It’s a great feeling.”

“Rainey Is Like a Family.”

Jonai describes Rainey as more than just a place to make art—it’s a community that feels like home.

“Rainey is like a family. You feel it the moment you walk in—the energy, the kindness, the connection. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay and give back.”

At Rainey, art isn’t just something students make.

It’s the foundation for personal growth and lifelong skills.

Why Your Support Matters

Every young artist deserves a space to grow creatively, emotionally, and professionally. For Jonai, Rainey was that space.

“If Rainey hadn’t been an option for me, I probably wouldn’t be as invested in the arts. You start to lose creativity as you get older, but Rainey keeps your creative mind flowing. I don’t think life would be the same without it.”

It’s only because of supporters like you that Jonai and hundreds of students like her have Rainey Institute, and because of supporters like you they are finding their paths—and building brighter futures.

Will you help more students discover their talents and build brighter futures?

Donate now to support the Rainey Kids.