The Paterson Alliance will grant $5,000 to each of three member organizations who create programs to benefit residents of Paterson. Recipients of our 2021 grants are:
The Inner City Ensemble is developing a pilot program for Paterson middle-school students, which will offer year-round weekly, dual-language dance training that focuses on multi-cultural themes and learning about dance in English and Spanish. http://www.innercityensemble.org/
contact Executive Director Nicholas Rodriguez at nrodriguez@pccc.edu
The Mindful Awareness Academy for Children will offer a program for Paterson high school seniors to prepare them for college, both practically and emotionally. Executive Director Andrea Smith-Morgan tells us, "Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC) is so excited to begin this incredible college readiness and mindfulness program with the 12th-grade scholars from Paterson. Breakaway Prep, the country's top-notch college readiness program leads the charge. They offer the most deeply resourced teams in the world of test prep and college admissions. Our 2-week summer program begins the week the August 16th. We're anticipating at least 30 scholars, who exhibit the drive and motivation to go to college. Our full-day program offers breakfast and lunch, music and mindfulness, and opportunities to connect with the community. Week two of our program, allows our scholars to unpack the intensity of the first week. Students engage in morning mindfulness, connect with guidance counselors and certified teachers to review the scholar's college application, and engage with community stakeholders who are invested in their college readiness success."
contact Executive Director Andrea Smith-Morgan at andrea@themaac.org
SOLID Foundation Youth Outreach is building community and mentoring youth through skateboarding and art. According to Executive Director Steven Wolfe, "This grant will allow SOLID to purchase 5 computers to expand our Art Department and afterschool programs at our new facility directly across from the Paterson Falls." www.skatecreateconnect.org
contact Executive Director Steven Wolfe at swolfe@skatecreateconnect.org
The Paterson Alliance is a coalition of 100 nonprofit organizations, uniting nonprofits and community partners in collaboration to create a vibrant Paterson. Paterson Alliance nonprofits have touched every neighborhood in Paterson, bringing support, compassion and community. Together they serve all areas of need, from food and housing to childcare and education, from health and homelessness to job and life-skills training.
