Turning Pain into Passion for the Next Generation: How Director’s Ink Creative Arts Center Uses Art, Mentorship and Financial Literacy to Help Atlantic County Youth Heal and Thrive

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP — Aquilla Daniels was 14 years old when her life changed in a way no child should have to experience. Years later, it was journaling, writing, and art that helped her find her way through the trauma and now she has built an organization around that same idea.

Daniels is the Founder and Executive Director of Director's Ink Creative Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Mays Landing. Founded in 2019, the organization serves youth ages 6–17, adults, seniors, families, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized and underserved communities — all through the lens of accessible arts programming.

"I just wanted to open up an art center to help other people process their trauma," Daniels said. "I have a passion for people to heal."

That mission shows up across every program Director's Ink offers and every single one is free.

Paint Through Pain

The centerpiece is Paint Through Pain, a free therapeutic art class open to adults. The next session with the theme of "The Inside Fix" Part II: Healing the roots to grow healthier branches. This event is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. at Hamilton Mall, 4403 Black Horse Pike, Suite 1000.

The class offers participants a space to create, reflect, and heal through guided art, meaningful conversation, and emotional expression. Lite refreshments and lite lunch will be provided.

Words in Motion

Words in Motion, the organization's Summer Literacy Enrichment Program, is a free four-week course designed to prevent the summer slide or the learning loss that happens when kids go months without reading. It is open to children ages 6–11 in grades 1- 6 and runs July 28 - August 18, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Money Moves Kids Academy

Then there is Money Moves Kids Academy, a one-day interactive financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshop for children ages 6–12. Instead of lecturing kids about saving and spending, Daniels sets up interactive stations and puts real money in their hands.

"I don't tell them how to budget," she said. "I give them the money, they go around to different tables, and they make the choices of how they want to spend it. Then we come back together and start talking about what good choices look like."

Topics covered include earning and saving, banking, mini-preneurship, setting financial goals, smart spending, investing early, and debit cards designed for kids. The workshop is set for Thursday, August 6, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with dinner served. Seating is limited.

Director's Ink continues to invest in the next generation through its Boys Mentoring and Leadership Program and Teen Etiquette and Leadership Program. These initiatives were created in direct response to feedback from parents throughout the community who expressed a desire for more positive mentoring opportunities for young men.

The next Boys Mentoring and Leadership session, "The Prince Is Here," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This free event is open to boys ages 8–17 and will be hosted by Senior Correction Officer Charles Jones II.

Participants will hear from an inspiring lineup of guest speakers, including Dr. Randal Pinkett, Chairman and CEO of BCT Partners; Devon Garland Jones, Recovery Coach; Pastor Ray Hollis; Malik Corbin, Founder of Iron Sharpen Iron; and Minister and author Michael Thomas. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, mentors, and other positive adult male role models are strongly encouraged to attend, reinforcing Director's Ink's commitment to developing future leaders through mentorship, purpose, accountability, and community support.

Hidden In Plain Sight: Can You Spot Red Flags

In addition to the boys' mentoring program, Director's Ink will host a parent workshop, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Can You Spot the Red Flags?" on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This free educational workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers recognize the warning signs of youth substance misuse, understand current drug trends and slang, learn effective communication strategies, and connect with valuable local resources. The interactive experience will feature a mock teenager's bedroom display, allowing participants to identify hidden indicators of substance use in a realistic setting.

Together, these programs reflect Director's Ink's ongoing commitment to strengthening families, empowering youth, and equipping parents and mentors with the knowledge and tools needed to help young people thrive.

Daniels said 100 percent of donations go directly back into the programs. The organization accepts monetary donations through Cash App at $Directorsink, in-kind donations such as art supplies, and welcomes volunteers for select classes.

Director's Ink Creative Arts Center is located inside Hamilton Mall at 4403 Black Horse Pike, Suite 1000, in Mays Landing. All classes require registration. For more information or to register, contact Daniels at directorsink@icloud.com or 609-380-2914, or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/DirectorInkCreativeArts.

(The work Autumn does for Atlantic City Focus is produced as part of the South Jersey Emerging Journalists Project fellowship, in partnership with Temple University’s Center for Community-Engaged Media. Her work is supported with funding from the People’s Media Fund and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.)

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