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Outreach Programs |  | |
At the end of 2007, NECCA had been an organization operating independently for 6 months. We had not yet received our not-for-profit status, but it was clear in our mission statement and our actions that we were committed to reaching out by providing support to poor and at-risk members of our community. Approximately 10% of the students received financial aid, and without outside funding it was wholly subsidized by the school itself. However, despite our efforts to bring more at-risk students to us, it seemed as if many of the students most in need of a boost of self confidence and supporting community were simply unaware of our presence. We wanted to do more to reach out.
The Board and Directors decided the best way to approach outreach was through collaborations with existing organizations that were already working with those most in need. By growing our contacts to existing community organizations in 2008, NECCA has successfully expanded its outreach including -
- work with developmentally and physically challenged youth and adults (Austine School for the Deaf);
- a workshop for teenagers working towards adult behavior (Rosie's Girls, Windham Regional Career Center);
- a program for positive risk taking and boy/girl interactions with sexually abused kids (Brattleboro Retreat);
- a Juggling Club keeping teenagers off the street and rewarding attention to school work (Boys & Girls Club).
- our advanced students offered a significant draw performing at fundraisers for other organizations (United Way, Windham County Reads, Angel Boy Arts, Academy School, Putney School, Brattleboro Museum and Arts Center).
On December 20th, 2007, NECCA received our not-for-profit status making donations tax deductible. In 2008, we received generous donations of more than $15,000 specifically for outreach including from Thompson Trust, SF Foundation, Fidelity Trust, Google Matching Grants/Julien Basch and Phil & Marcia Steckler. With these funds, NECCA was able to offer programming and access new students for whom circus is a medium for self empowerment, trust, pride, communication development, perseverance and accomplishment.
As we head into 2009, we need to grow our scholarship assistance to special needs populations and continue to develop our ties to the community organizations that serve these groups. Your support and donations will ensure that we continue to provide this vital service to our community.
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"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing circus camp for the children we work with. They loved it! Had a great time!"
Lydia Mahan, Northeastern Family Institute
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