ART is a nonprofit organization that provides multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention for adolescents with multiple risk factors, dependencies and antisocial behaviors so they can be reintegrated into society to lead active and positive lives. The organization helps around 40 to 50 teenagers and their families each year.

The Colorful Communities program provides PPG volunteers and products along with financial contributions to bring color and vitality to communities where the company operates around the world, such as in Portugal, where PPG has an architectural coatings facility.

The project brought together more than 40 PPG volunteers, who spent one day revitalizing ART’s interior and exterior spaces and planting flowers. PPG provided more than $18,000 (€16,240) to assist with the project, including about 600 liters (159 gallons) of DYRUP paint, BONDEX paint and protective and marine coatings products. PPG also donated a basketball table game, television and interactive whiteboard.

“These partnerships help improve the quality of life for our adolescents and enable us to offer an environment that is integral to their well-being and development,” said Carla Silva, general director, ART. “This was the case with the improvements made possible by PPG through remodeling existing areas and donating equipment of extreme importance. Throughout the project, the volunteers were extraordinary people of incredible empathy.”

 

PPG volunteers painted the facility’s interior and exterior walls, floors, benches, handrails and more in a white and blue color palette that is typical of the Alentejo region. To bring more color, personality and a special touch to the project, PPG invited well-known Portuguese street artist Maria Imaginário to fill an entire room with her art and create an imaginary world for the young adults.

“PPG is very pleased to collaborate with ART and Maria Imaginário to create a bright and welcoming space, where adolescents can be comfortable receiving the help they need to find their way in life,” said José Pedro Barbosa, PPG national director, architectural projects and protective coatings, Portugal. “Our employee volunteers put into action PPG’s commitment to making the world brighter and more colorful.”