Greetings from my home to yours. In this new world where many of us are working and schooling from home, I find the boundaries increasingly blurred between my professional life and my home life. So, consider this a personal check in, as I hope you and your loved ones are safely able to shelter in place. And for those of you who are braving the world every day as an essential worker – thank you for everything you are doing and the sacrifices you are making.

Even though I can’t physically share space with the many teens we serve through our programming, I now have front row, 24-hour access to the teen who calls me mom! Like most young people, she was looking forward to returning to school tomorrow. She misses her friends, she misses human connection that isn’t her parents, and while she may not admit it, I know she would prefer the structure and normalcy of school. And yet, schools across the nation will not be resuming in-person for the rest of the year.

During this time of uncertainty, she has turned to the arts for hope, comfort, and a sense of accomplishment. My heart is full when I hear her play one of the many instruments she is learning. The arts really do provide a path forward, for her and for me!

I wish all teens had access to the arts, and yet I know they don’t. Which is why our Partner Programs are so very important. Through offsite programming we serve youth furthest from education justice and meet them where they are, both physically and emotionally. We are working to figure out how we can engage these teens who may not have access to technology now and in the future.

You can help! We are participating in Give BIG Washington, a two-day giving event designed to raise awareness and critical support for nonprofits. And we have a match for all gifts up to $7,500! Please consider supporting our Partner Program efforts to ensure our youth have access to the arts and our programming now and in the future.  

In Community,  

Samantha Kelly, Executive Director