Spirit of 9/12: Day of Service Through Healing Art with The Holding Frames
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, The Holding Frames will host an expanded, community-centered activation of Spirit of 9/12 on September 12, 2026 — a youth-led day of service rooted in healing, connection, and the simple, powerful act of showing up for one another. The event will take place at Washington Market Park in Lower Manhattan, just blocks from the World Trade Center site — a place that holds deep personal and collective meaning. At its core, this project engages youth and community members in creating healing art that serves communities in crisis across the country — transforming remembrance into a tangible act of care. Spirit of 9/12 is grounded in the belief that while many young people today did not live through September 11, they can still carry forward what came after — the way people showed up for each other, the sense of unity, and the instinct to care for strangers as if they were neighbors. This day is about making that spirit tangible again. Here is what the day looks like: Youth Ambassadors (approximately 10–15 young people recruited from PS 234 Independence School, neighboring schools, and communities across New York City and beyond) will serve as project leaders — welcoming participants, guiding the art-making process, and helping shape the tone of the day. These are not passive participants; youth actively lead and co-create the experience. Participants will engage in a facilitated, trauma-informed art-making process using The Holding Frames’ FRAME Method (Finding Resilience After Major Events). Together, they will paint wooden frames and write messages of care, hope, and connection. No artistic experience is needed — the activity is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for all ages. The event opens with a brief, youth-led reflection on the meaning of September 11, grounded in the personal connection of THF co-founder Cait Leavey, whose father, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, was killed on 9/11. This is not a lecture, but a short, honest moment that invites participants to reflect on what it means to show up for others — and why that still matters today. From there, participants move into action. Completed artwork is packaged on-site by youth volunteers and prepared for shipment to communities across the country navigating crisis — including disaster-impacted areas, communities affected by violence, and those carrying long-term grief. Recipients are identified through THF’s ongoing community relationships. The project extends beyond 9/12. Youth Ambassadors will participate in a follow-up session where they track where their frames were delivered, hear from recipient communities, and reflect on their experience — reinforcing the connection between remembrance and impact. They will also share their reflections through a short presentation or written piece in their school or community. Target: 200+ participants, 300+ completed healing art pieces, delivery to 4–6 recipient communities.
New York, NY Youth & Children
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