In 2014, Dr. Marty K. Casey founded Show Me Arts Foundation (501c3) the first arts organization to be established due to the civil unrest in Ferguson, which highlighted some very serious concerns for the overall welfare of youth in the St. Louis area. Since its inception, Show Me Arts Foundation has been the catalyst and umbrella organization for Show Me Arts Academy and UnGUN Institute, LLC.
Show Me Arts Academy (SMAA) was created as a youth development program focused on the needs of young people within the St. Louis region. SMAA partnered with various community organizations and schools within the area providing summer camps and after school programs servicing a total of over 3,000 children.
In 2020 UnGUN Institute, LLC. was established in response to the trauma that communities, children, youth, and families experience either through bullying, domestic violence/intimate partner violence, suicide, or gun violence. UnGUN Institute utilizes a variety of tools and techniques to help communities and individuals heal. UnGUN empowers communities, organizations and individuals through the UnGUN train the trainer system. This system has been effectively taught and thereby implemented in several school districts, community organizations, and municipalities across the St. Louis metropolitan area. This system's approach encompasses self, family, and community in a way that allows the trainee to learn and develop various tools and techniques as a means of addressing trauma. The train the trainer system is designed to provide a structured approach for helping students through various challenges, incorporating self-reflection, non-judgmental support, positive reframing, goal setting, celebration of achievements, and continuous check-ins.
The organization serves over 150 people on an annual basis. This number has increased as partnerships with additional local community organizations, school districts and municipalities are identified. UnGUN Institute's presence is felt at the local, national and global level through speaking engagements, trainings and workshops, and participation in worldwide conferences.
Show Me Arts Foundation has worked in tandem with UnGUN Institute, LLC to heal vulnerable community members who have been affected by gun violence and other traumatic experiences. These services include donated cars, temporary housing, utility assistance, food and other basic needs.
"Hurt people, hurt people. Healed people, heal people." -Dr Marty K. Casey