Lens Project

Learn Empathy, Negotiation, and Self

Learning Empathy, Negotiation, and Self (LENS) Project is a violence prevention program designed to empower students, families, and service members by building community.

We use creative projects and art-based activities to teach positive social skills and foster the development of empathy for others.

LENS Project serves over 475 youth and 3,500 family members annually.

Afterschool Program

Tacoma Arts Live Education - LENS

Students dive deeply into the LENS curriculum for 10 weeks of after school sessions, which culminate with a family Skill Share event led by the students where they teach and demonstrate the skills they have learned.

“LENS is amazing, and everyone should try to see if they could do it – to learn how to be kind, and see what other people see, and share their emotions.”

– Kapowsin Elementary Student

Family Art Series

LENS Family Event - Collage

Using theatre and visual arts activities, these evening events for families encourage participants to think together creatively. Families reflect on behavior, emotion management, and ways to overcome challenges as a team.

“[Our family worked] together using WORDS, not fists or screaming, to communicate.”

 – JBLM Family

LENS Storytellers

A workshop series empowering service members and veterans to process complex emotions and share their stories through the arts. The program culminates in a public presentation, shaped by the participants’ vision and brought to life by professional actors.

“[My highlight was] Learning to be comfortable sharing with others and seeing commonalities.”

 – JBLM Soldier

Upcoming Community Events

LENS Project Locations

  • Bethel School District
  • Tacoma School District
  • Franklin Pierce School District
  • Clover Park School District
  • Art Therapy Northwest
  • Exceptional Family Member Program, JBLM
  • Soldier Recovery Unit, JBLM
  • Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Valley Cities

The LENS Project has received support from:

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