Portside Arts Center is pleased to announce Penn Treaty Special Services District (PTSSD) has awarded Portside a grant of $20,500 for 2021 programming. This grant will provide scholarships for new and returning students to attend Portside Creative Classroom throughout the remainder of the school year and our Summer Arts Camp beginning in June.
These funds come at a time when many families are experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet desperately need childcare during these immensely challenging times. Thanks to PTSSD, families can be partially released of the financial burden that events of this past year may have unexpectedly caused. The past year has brought about many unprecedented changes and circumstances for families in the River Wards community. With the news of schools in the Philadelphia School District remaining closed indefinitely, families were left with little options regarding childcare and support with virtual learning for their children. Some children are new to school and also the technology requirements for virtual learning purposes. Parents were desperate for a solution that ensures their children are learning and in a safe environment. Many parents had the predicament of choosing to go to work to provide income to their families, or to stay home with their children to help them navigate the new structure of virtual learning.
With the tremendous support from PTSSD, Portside Arts Center is now able to provide a solution to families in the River Wards by introducing Creative Classroom; a daily in-person program where children are assisted with their schoolwork, able to socialize with friends, and instructed in arts education for a portion of each day.
With last year’s funding from PTSSD specifically to go towards children’s scholarships, Portside has been able to award monthly scholarships for 24 children to attend Portside’s Creative Classroom. Going forward into the new year, we now can continue to award families with scholarships, and with plans to expand our programming to River Ward families with limited resources. PTSSD has shown unwavering support to Portside Arts Center throughout the years. They are a beacon of light in the River Wards community during these dark times and have helped non-profit organizations like Portside improve programming and remain a bright spot in the community.
1 Comment
|
|
RSS Feed