CYC Spotlight: Kayla's Craft Closet

Passionate artist Kayla Kupietzy offers her time, skills, and creativity to support CYC youth. Learn more about her background and involvement with CYC!

How did you find out about Chicago Youth Centers? What attracted you to partnering with CYC? 

I found out about Chicago Youth Centers through my research on youth centers in the Chicagoland area. I came across CYC’s website and was immediately inspired by its mission of helping young people in Chicago. Upon further exploration on the website and reading about its programming, I knew that I wanted to reach out and discuss donating a Kayla’s Craft Closet.  

Tell us a bit about yourself and Kayla’s Craft Closet. 

I am Kayla Kupietzky and I am a junior in high school. I am a passionate leader and an engaged learner in all that I do. Above all, I care about social justice and making change. I hope to heal the world by making sure all kids, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to art supplies. I created Kayla’s Craft Closet (KCC) with that mission! As a part of KCC, I deliver craft closets with a variety of different art supplies to youth groups with the purpose of promoting creativity and emotional expression. 

What have you done so far with your partnership with CYC? What do you hope to do in the future? 

I donated a Kayla’s Craft Closet to CYC right before the holidays. In this craft closet, I included supplies ranging from markers, watercolors, and construction paper to model magic, beading materials, and “do it yourself” projects. I’m excited to continue my relationship with CYC. I hope that in the future I can lead an art class for the youth and impart on the kids how much art has done for me.  

How has community work and/or your mission personally impacted your life? 

My mission and community work have forced me to dig deep and really value the important things in my life. My work has also taught me the importance of gratitude. Most of all, my community work has continued to feed the spark of light I feel for the arts and giving kids the opportunity to benefit from the power of art as much as I have.  

CYC’s network of volunteers, supporters, and partners is what makes bright futures possible. Get involved by joining our Auxiliary Board, or checking out our current job openings!