This highly regarded program provides free, weekly, after-school interdisciplinary arts classes for at-risk young people, in grades 1-8, in the area. The goal of the Troupes program (grades 1-5) is to use theater and related arts to help these youngsters grow up to be more successful adults by building essential life skills such as creativity, confidence, communication, empathy and discipline. The Arts Explorers program (Grades 7-8) provides students with mentorship and instruction from professional artists for an entire school year, where they learn new artistic skills, and also financial responsibility.
“The Liberty Bank Foundation has been a tremendous partner for many years in this program. We are grateful for their consistent and continued partnership to bring high quality theater programs and experiences to our community’s youth,” said Elizabeth Bobrick, Chair of Oddfellows’ Board of Directors.
Since its inception in 1997, the Liberty Bank Foundation has provided almost $6 million in grants to nonprofit organizations within Liberty Bank’s market area. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for people of low or moderate income by investing in the areas of preventative programming for children and families, affordable housing, and non-profit capacity building. In addition, the foundation is providing support to address basic human needs during these difficult economic times. Along with its grantmaking, the foundation strives to foster the convening and collaboration of nonprofits, funders, business, and government to address community issues.
I am confused. Does Oddfellows even have a troupes program any longer? Last I knew they disbanded the troupes program and were no longer providing transportation to the neighborhoods where the troupes were held. I personally would have rather seen the grant go to an agency that is in the community, this is an after school program, the school should have gotten the grant.
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