In June, the Saint Thomas Church Vestry approved twenty organizations to receive a grant to support their work. Please note, these grants come from restricted funds that can only be given away in the form of charitable grants.
Pamela Lewis, Chair of the Grants’ Committee of the Vestry, is pleased to share information on nine of those organizations that are first-time grantees, the first three of which are discussed here:
DMF, Inc. (Dance, Movement, Fitness)
Partnering with Title 1 schools and homeless shelters across NYC, DMF Youth, Inc. helps to level the playing field for underserved youth through dance/fitness education and life skill development in a safe and nurturing afterschool and summer camp environment that focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional development of children. Programs are led by highly trained teaching artists who provide quality arts education, as well as the nurturing love many children need to flourish both in and outside of the classroom.
The DMF program uses dance as a way to foster collaboration, cooperation, and communication with underserved youth, some of whom would previously resort to isolation or violence, and the staff works with principals, teachers, and psychologists to develop a curriculum that helps young people to cultivate their unique potential. By using the competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the DMF staff is able to incorporate life skills such as setting goals, dealing with emotions, and cultivating leadership into the learning experience.
While many afterschool programs place emphasis on mastery of a specific sport, art, or academic subjects, DMF addresses the inner life of children, the “non-cognitive” factors that can also offer promising levers for raising the achievement of underprivileged children.
We are grateful to the Vestry for approving a grant to DMF Youth, Inc. in support of its vision of an equitable education system for all through healthy movement and the arts.
Independence Care System: “Eat Green”
For over 20 years, Independence Care System has served and advocated for adults with physical disabilities to maintain their health and independence in their communities. It serves over 2,500 members across the five boroughs and Westchester through a variety of programs and services, including ICS Thrive, its social enrichment program, many of whose members are people of color, women, low income, and/or over the age of 50. Saint Thomas’ grant will help to create “Eat Green,” a four-month pilot nutrition program to empower members living with obesity, heart disease, and diabetes to embrace healthy eating habits through one-on-one, certified nutritionist-led coaching sessions. Members will also learn how to shop for and cook healthy food, as well as learn about the relationship between nutrition, stress, and wellness.
In addition to increasing their knowledge about healthy eating habits and establishing wellness goals, program members will also build a sense of community and form new friendships that support a healthy lifestyle.
We are grateful to the Vestry for approving a grant that will fund the vital work of Independence Care System, which serves and advocates for vulnerable adults by giving them the tools to maintain health and independence.
One Change at a Time: “Bridging Generations”
One Change at a Time’s “Bridging Generations” project aims to develop positive intergenerational relationships between youth and seniors. At a time when youth and older adults are experiencing myriad challenges to their physical, cognitive, and social health, which often result in the decline in their overall well-being, this program develops skills, establishes values, and gives members the ability to confront difficult life situations. Being actively involved in this program benefits older adults by providing mentorship opportunities, stimulating learning, and improving health. This is achieved by having youth and young adult volunteers visit long-term care facilities to provide companionship to older adults, many of whom feel isolated in such facilities, and to help young volunteers abandon misunderstandings about older adults.
One Change at a Time’s mission to promote the value of volunteerism, and to focus its efforts on positive reinforcement, trust-building, and goal achievement, is essential towards combating traumatic experiences that beset many communities.
We are grateful to the Vestry for approving a grant to One Change at a Time, whose “Bridging Generations” project is making a difference in the lives of young and older people by bringing them together and forming new relationships.
