Conceived in 2009 as an extension of the Arts for Kids program, founded by Louisa Craft-Jornayvaz, the Emanuel Project began in a Georgia classroom as a way to focus at-risk youth on academic activities. After observing improved academic success in the classroom as well as noticeable improvement in the behavior of the youth in the classroom, Louisa Craft-Jornayvaz partnered with Dr. James R. Minnick, currently the projects Executive Director, in whose classroom the project began.

Emanuel Project Founder and Director

The project was officially named the Emanuel Project in January 2012, and now serves at-risk youth in 50 facilities in 13 states with research-based incentive programming. Approximately 50 “Murals of Hope” have been completed in 13 states with Emanuel Martinez, the project’s namesake, working directly with students of the facilities as part of the incentive program.