Works Progress Administrations emerged during the great depression, where the unemployment rate was very high and people were struggling and worried about how to find a way to survive, so artistic production was almost stopped. In this case, Works Progress Administrations promoted the creation of several jobs to help the country's economic situation, in addition to stimulating and financing artist projects, allowing artists to have the necessary material to create their works and the resources necessary to survive and have a with at least the minimum of dignity.
In this way, we can say that Works Progress Administration impacted American art, offering resources for its creation.
Approach an adult such as a high school counselor. Inform them of the situation. Then, after the adult consults with the friend, I would approach him/her and help them out with whatever they are going through. I'd tell them that I'm there for them and try to help to get them to stop.