tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/bg/projects?page=4 2025-03-08T15:33:04Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/315511 2025-02-15T00:00:00Z 2025-03-08T15:33:04Z My Project "Through The Lens: Celebrating Cass Clay's Diversity" uses photography to showcase Cas Clay's diverse cultures and share the unique experiences and cultural backgrounds of Cass Clay area. I feel that the Cass Clay area is a very diverse area, yet individuals from many communities still feel isolated, underrepresented or seen in this community. Through my connections in the Cass Clay community, I will plan to be more involved by attending different cultural events and celebrations. My attendance of these events and celebrations, I will use my camera to capture the unique stories and experiences of the diverse communities in Cass Clay area. I plan to host a public exhibition in the Cass Clay area at the end of each month to share these images that reflect the richn ess of this community. Through these public exhibition's my goal is to celebrate diversity and to make sure that individuals from different cultural communities in this area feel valued, seen, and included regardless of their background. This project will benefit the Cass Clay communities and indivuals by creating a sense of empathy and understanding within our community. Dalya Breem Through the lens: Celebrating Cas Clay's Diversity United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/322756 2025-02-15T00:00:00Z 2025-02-15T19:08:55Z The Stich and Style program was created to empower youth in grades 4-12 to discover their creativity and develop essential life skills through the art of sewing. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young individuals can learn the fundamentals of sewing, enhance their fine motor skills, and foster independence while pursuing their passions. We are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant community that encourages personal growth, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that every participant leaves with the confidence to chase their dreams and make a positive impact. Kedaer Parks Youth Sewing Program https://charliafrankinc.org United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/324885 2025-02-13T00:00:00Z 2025-03-04T03:48:43Z We are pleased to award MORE our second February grant. Their services include English classes for immigrants and refugees. According to Executive Director Jane Rydholm, "MORE is a non-profit that serves the immigrant and refugee community in St. Paul by providing free English classes, workplace literacy, and critical support such as food, clothing, and household items. Our holistic approach ensures that students and clients not only access education but also receive the resources they need to thrive in their new communities. By addressing both educational and basic needs, MORE empowers individuals and strengthens the community. We are seeking $1,000 to enhance the safety, comfort, and efficiency of our services." Jane Rydholm Empowering Futures http://www.more-empowerment.org United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/326180 2025-02-13T00:00:00Z 2025-03-04T03:48:23Z Congratulations to our February grantee for his work is bringing our community together, and for inspiring our youth to focus on positivity. We're looking forward to your basketball tournament Khadar! Khadar describes his project as "All I would like to do is change what’s going on in our community, and help bring back positivity so the children have something to look forward to. But first we must continue to heal as a village because our children need our guidance to help lead others in the right direction because nobody can do it alone. To do that, we must come together and make that vision a reality! This year’s theme is: Uplifting our youths." Saturday May17th, 2025 11:30am- 4:30pm 2 speakers, 3 Basketball Games Youth Game Community Game Youth Vs Saint Paul police Sunday May 18th, 2025 Noon-5pm 3 presentations 3 speakers Youth entrepreneur venues Announcing the top 3 youth entrepreneurs Thank you for your support Khadar Greer 612-423-0071 Khadar Greer 3rd Annual “ Stop the Violence Basketball” Event http://Itsyoboykhadar.com United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/323286 2025-02-12T00:00:00Z 2025-02-13T15:57:06Z Remember silent sustained reading in school? A coveted time to simply focus on reading without any distraction or worry in the world? So many of us crave for it, but can’t find the place or time to sit down and read anymore without feeling some sort of productivity guilt over it. That is why we are incredibly excited to launch Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), our newest monthly program at Dzanc House, where folks can lounge about as they happily read their favorite novel, collection of poetry etc and be in community with fellow bookworms—all guilt-free! It is the perfect, relaxing, welcoming and safe space to hang out, have some tea, and flip through the pages of a good book. We are approaching your wonderful foundation because we would love to make SSR an annual and accessible program for all peoples and ages. Our project involves: 1Building an in-house library of curated books for young readers as well as adult titles. Presently, we ask folks to bring their reading material to the house, but we understand this may not be attainable or convenient for some. We will offer a curated collection of our favorite titles for young people (e.g. works by Ada Limon, Ross Gay, Jericho Brown, + more), and encourage the sharing, exchanging, and borrowing of books as well. 2Creating a Reading Club for youth, which will operate as an extension of our SSR program and run for a full year! We will not only invite in-house writers and artists to read alongside our youth but also provide participants with a curated collection of poetry, including visits from authors who can come in for a reading session themselves! By situating a community library inside our home and offering a literacy program that promotes connection, engagement, and exploration with the literary arts, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of reading, writing, and endless imagining and remind folks and youth of the incredible power that comes with focusing and growing one's own creative and critical thinking skills. Paola Ortega Silent Sustained Reading for all Peoples and Ages https://dzanchouse.squarespace.com/ United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/323451 2025-02-12T00:00:00Z 2025-02-14T21:31:53Z In May 2025, the Historical Society of Carroll County will host a free program at the Carroll Arts Center honoring the opening of its Mary Shellman: Civil War to Suffrage exhibit. The event will be an evening of song and poetry written by Mary Bostwick Shellman, a poet, artist, and suffragist who lived in Westminster, MD, from 1840-1920. Reenactor Darci Tucker from Colonial Williamsburg will portray Mary Shellman at the event. Musicians will perform three songs lyricized by Mary B. Shellman. The music will be interspersed with local students and women leaders reading her poetry. By having female performers front and center at the event, we will be reminded of Mary Shellman’s commitment to civic engagement and female leadership at a time when women being on the public stage or taking ownership of their own creative or civic work was discouraged or even outright banned. The musicians are local Maryland artists, including students at the Peabody Institute, led by Jacquelyn Slade from Carroll County. A passionate activist, composer, and jazz musician, Jacquelyn Slade works to empower others through political advocacy and musical performance. HSCC, the musicians, the poetry readers and the community are excited to bring the story of Mary B. Shellman—a Maryland suffragist, renaissance woman, and celebrated historical figure from Westminster, Maryland—to the stage. Through performances of musical pieces featuring Shellman’s original lyrics, we aim to connect the local community with her legacy in a deeply meaningful way. By blending music and poetry, we will highlight Shellman’s contributions, using the universal language of music to make her story accessible and inspiring. This program offers an opportunity for audiences who may not be familiar with Carroll County’s rich history to experience it through Shellman’s own words and melodies. Jason Illari "An Evening with Mary Shellman..." http://hsccmd.org United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/313308 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z 2025-02-12T02:40:05Z January’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Jenn Hayward to support a week-long initiative of gratitude and artistic expression. “Ottawa residents will be invited to share stories and shout-outs about fellow citizens who have supported them during challenging times,” explains Jenn. “These collected messages will then be curated and transformed into a visual art piece or a series of art installations,” she continues, “which will serve as a tangible representation of the city's collective gratitude and resilience.” “The project will showcase the city's compassionate spirit through real-life stories of support and kindness,” says Jenn, “and the resulting artwork will stand as a testament to the strong bonds within the Ottawa community.” Jenn is a Métis comedian and storyteller. “I wrote for CBC for 8 years,” she says, “worked in the prison system for 8 years (but escaped), and ran a million-dollar business... into the ground. During COVID, I scaled a courier business so quickly it had nowhere to go but down. Now, after bankruptcy, I do consultancy work with businesses and non-profits on reconciliation planning.” Jenn Hayward Artistic Gratitude Ottawa Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/324066 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z 2025-02-13T05:10:55Z I utilize red wigglers worms (Eisenia fetida) to eat cardboard, manure and food waste. I convert the waste into the worms castings, aka Black Gold. I use the worm castings to create organic fertilizer and worm tea. I also create compost soil from wood chips and green waste. I am able to create farms, community gardens and and school gardens for urban and suburban use. I want to aid in helping all create soil, grow healthy food and divert as much waste from landfills to feed worms and soil. Antuan Jackson Healthy Soil and Waste Management http://N/a United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/323802 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z 2025-02-26T23:41:35Z Our project would be a first-of-its kind support group for San Francisco County parents of incarcerated children. It's not fun or witty, but is an urgent issue and one that creates community cohesion. Having a child incarcerated can be a distressing, lonely experience. Parents typically have had no previous experience in the criminal justice system, which has separated their child from their loved ones and detained them in a severe, grim setting. A language barrier contributes to a further sense of confusion and uncertainty. Our bilingual parent support group educates parents with a parenting curriculum, increases their ability to advocate for their child, and prepares them for challenges they will face upon their child’s return. Active participation of parents in the rehabilitation process of incarcerated youth is associated with improved outcomes and reduced likelihood of their child reoffending. Melissa Wilson Support Group for Parents of Incarcerated Children United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/314920 2025-02-09T00:00:00Z 2025-02-09T19:28:27Z Our aim is to aid underserved communities throughout the world that lack proper access to electricity by providing them with renewable solar energy solutions. For our first project, we have embarked on a journey to provide students in Africa with our self-engineered solar lanterns. Over the summer, we developed a solar lantern model that charges during the day under the light of the sun, and illuminates a bright LED during the night. We partnered with the Angaza Center, a larger nonprofit that assists students in Africa, to distribute our solar lanterns to schools in countries such as Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We want to use our lights to promote green energy on a local scale because we believe that before change can start on a national scale, it needs to start with the individual. Additionally, by helping students with their education, we want to empower people from disenfranchised communities to create a place for themselves in our increasingly technological world. Ethan Base Solar Reach Initiative http://solarreach.org Worldwide Conservation and Climate https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/conservationandclimate tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/326810 2025-02-09T00:00:00Z 2025-02-09T22:38:03Z Our project, Family Preparedness Clinics, will provide immigrant families in Newburgh with free legal resources and assistance to ensure they are prepared for emergencies. Many families in our community face uncertainty due to immigration status, legal challenges, or unexpected life events. These clinics will help them create essential legal documents such as power of attorney, caregiver affidavits, and emergency plans to protect their children and loved ones. Through these clinics, families will receive guidance from trained professionals, notarized documents, and clear action plans so they can make informed decisions about their future. Language barriers often prevent families from accessing these resources, so we will also provide interpretation and translation services to ensure accessibility for all. Funding from the Awesome Foundation- Newburgh chapter will help us cover printing materials, notarization fees, outreach efforts, and interpretation services, allowing us to serve more families in need. By supporting this project, you will help immigrant families in Newburgh gain peace of mind and security, knowing they have a plan in place to protect their children and assets in times of crisis. This project is about empowerment, stability, and community support. Together, we can ensure that every family in Newburgh has access to the tools they need to thrive and remain united, no matter what challenges arise. Wendy Mejia Ochoa Family Preparedness Clinic United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/326763 2025-02-09T00:00:00Z 2025-02-12T17:13:58Z Hometown Homeless is a collaborative documentary project based in Santa Cruz California. The film itself is the culmination of six years of work that I have done within the encampments in Santa Cruz. This work started in the city sanctioned Benchlands encampment as an interview and portrait project that was geared towards highlighting community driven solutions. As this work progressed it turned into a very short documentary that explored the meaning of home. This short then inspired my current documentary and laid the foundation for the relationships and deep admiration I have for the current participants of my documentary Hometown Homeless. The money from this grant will be used to fund the post production of this film. I will put it directly towards sound mixing and coloring the film which are two very important components of post production.This money would allow the film to be completed and ready to screen locally so that it can perpetuate positive change within our community. Maleah Welsh Hometown Homeless https://maleahrosemedia.wixsite.com/website/current-film United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/327403 2025-02-09T00:00:00Z 2025-02-14T17:47:00Z Newburgh Yoga Shala is entering a new chapter. I, Bibi Lorenzetti, am buying out my business partner to ensure this shala and the seed I planted in 2018 when I started it in my garage, can continue to grow and flourish in the Hudson Valley region that is my home and community. Once the buy out is complete the Shala will enter a new chapter where community engagement lies at the center of it's 'business plan'. Recruiting like minded people not only to practice, but to engage in our community in a way that benefits all. Yoga is not just Asana, yoga is how we extend our hearts and mindfulness into all aspects of life. If I am selected for this grant, the funds will cover the cost of establishing and paying for electricity for a community fridge and pantry on the corner of South Street and Grand Street. I will be collaborating with Fairground for the set up of the fridge and with The Ellis Newburgh for the location host. Our Shala community will work in conjunction with Fairground to take care of the fridge and pantry. I am very excited about what the partnerships this community fridge and pantry will bring to the Shala. An example is our friends at Little Learning Loft, who are excited to partake, as a means to include our children in the task of taking care of those who have less then us. I envision a future where the power lies in the value of community that this shala has created and sustains. We make the community together. Beatrice Lorenzetti Community Fridge & Pantry for Newburgh https://www.newburghyogashala.com/community-engagement United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/321324 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z 2025-02-25T21:51:25Z As editor of Paper Chained magazine, an art and writing magazine for people in prison, I regularly receive artworks from people in custody both in Australia and abroad. In May 2024, I organised Australia's first ever international prison art exhibition. Held at Long Bay Correctional Centre in Sydney, the exhibition featured over 100 artworks from 25 prisons in 8 different countries. It was opened by the Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley, and received coverage on the ABC Arts Show and in The Saturday Paper. I continue to collect prison art, and in late 2024 I was able to receive artworks that were smuggled out of Ofer prison, a prison in Israel that illegally detains Palestinian people without charge. Prisoners there are not permitted to make art, hence why it must be smuggled out. After speaking with formerly incarcerated Palestinian artists currently in Gaza, I now wish to put on an art exhibition exclusively showing the works of Palestinians held in custody. The exhibition will be featured in Newcastle. Paper Chained published an interview with one of the Palestinian artists I intend to feature in the exhibition in the December 2024 issue of the magazine; I am attaching images of that interview. In September 2024 I gave a talk about the issues facing the artists at The Creator Incubator, which sold out to capacity of about 80 tickets. There is already an established audience and interest in the project, which I hope to build upon with the grant from Awesome Newcastle. Damien Linnane Palestine prison art exhibition Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/322994 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z 2025-02-06T11:31:59Z Our project aims to celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and ongoing revival of Springburn, a historic area in North Glasgow. Once the birthplace of the steam locomotive and the UK’s first motorcar, Springburn has faced significant challenges, including social decline, addiction, and economic neglect. Yet, the community's spirit endures, fueled by efforts to restore its pride and identity. This initiative will engage residents and visitors through an immersive pop-up exhibition at the Springburn Community Hub, showcasing local history with archival photos, interactive videos, books, and artifacts. A dedicated cinema space will screen documentaries, including a feature on the town’s locomotive industry and its multicultural community. The event will highlight Springburn's contributions to Scotland's industrial and cultural heritage while emphasizing the community's resilience and a call for greater investment. Together, we aim to honor Springburn’s past while building a resilient, inclusive future. Frank McGowan Springburn: Past Present & Future http://www.badponymediagroup.co.uk United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/324573 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z 2025-02-06T23:01:55Z The MPF Mamre House Community Garden Project is an initiative aimed at transforming an underutilised plot at Mamre House into a vibrant, accessible community garden that promotes inclusivity, environmental sustainability, education and social interaction. The project aims to enhance our local community by providing a space where all members, including those with disabilities, can engage in gardening and learn about sustainable practices, as well as hosting a variety of other social activities throughout the year. With a particular focus on inclusivity, the garden will feature raised beds constructed from reclaimed wood, tailored for wheelchair access and others with limited mobility, and a fence along the plot's length to support vined plants such as tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. The MPF Mamre House Community Garden aims to be a sustainable project that enriches our community for years to come. The garden will: • Promote inclusivity by having raised beds for easy access by wheelchair users and others with limited mobility. • Be environmentally conscious through the use of sustainable gardening practices and a drip irrigation system to conserve water. • Serve as a community hub where people can learn about gardening, share their skills, and participate in a variety of activities, thereby enhancing communal life. • Incorporate educational initiatives to help community members learn about the importance of healthy eating and provide practical lessons on growing and preparing nutritious food. This will not only foster a healthier community but also empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed food choices. We are dedicated to maintaining the garden and expanding its impact through community workshops and educational programs. This project will be a model for future community-driven, inclusive green spaces across Sydney. • $267.00 for 1800mm star pickets - to build a robust fence that will support vined foods, enhancing the garden's productivity and aesthetic appeal. • $650.00 for irrigation materials - to install a drip irrigation system ensuring efficient water use and the sustainability of the garden during all seasons. • $83.00 for screws, nails, etc - to secure materials needed for constructing raised garden beds, making the garden accessible to wheelchair users. I am the founder of Mypower Foundations, focused on empowering individuals with disabilities through innovative community projects. With over a decade in disability advocacy, my passion is fuelled by my personal journey as a parent of two neurodiverse children and caring for a sibling with dementia. These experiences have deepened my commitment to creating inclusive spaces that promote learning and well-being, like our MPF Mamre House Community Garden Project. Kylie Crambrook Mamre House Community Garden Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/320053 2025-02-03T00:00:00Z 2025-02-04T00:23:25Z The LifeEdge Program provides individualized support to youth who have experienced sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in York Region through a day program and one-on-one support. The program occurs at BridgeNorth’s office in Newmarket. Youth in the LifeEdge program have access to our day program where they learn important life skills and engage in new and fun activities. Participants also met with two workers who provide them with support which is tailored to their unique situation, experiences, and needs. Youth in the LifeEdge program are offered a safe and stable place where they can begin to heal from their trafficking experience, meet their needs, learn new skills, and thrive. Transportation is one of the greatest barriers to accessing the LifeEdge Program. Due to the nature of sex trafficking, many participants are experiencing precarious housing, low income, and don’t have access to reliable transportation. To reduce this barrier, we provide participants with transportation whenever possible. This most often takes the form of vouchers for Uber or staff driving to meet them in their community. By funding transportation to our office in Newmarket, you will increase the accessibility of the LifeEdge Program for the youth who need it most. The youth who move frequently, who don’t have a stable and reliable home, and who count on our support as one of the only consistent resources in their lives. It will allow us to bring more youth to the program and for staff to drive to meet youth in their communities. This will increase their connectedness, engagement, and ultimately their safety. BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship & Advocacy Services LifeEdge Access https://bridgenorth.org/lifeedge/ Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/313346 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z 2025-04-13T16:49:24Z Sunflowers is a charity in Aigburth currently providing support to over 1700 local people following a diagnosis of cancer or other life-changing illness. We offer a busy and varied program of classes to our clientele, but lacking from our current offer are art and craft based activities. Well known for their therapeutic benefit, we’re keen to offer more arts based experiences for our clients, particularly with a view to encouraging them to try new mindful and relaxing hobbies to further enhance recovery and good mental health. Many of our clients are vulnerable people and, post-pandemic, are still feeling the effects of living in isolation. It is important that any course is built around those who need to once more integrate into the community, but have been so mentally decimated by the effects of being alone for so long that they can’t face the usual support groups. One of the main benefits of our programme is the social prescription that it offers. Many of our clients live alone and our programme offers them an opportunity to meet in a safe and friendly space that they know, with like-minded people who have personal experience of similar health issues. Whilst we focus on people in our local community who are affected by cancer and long term conditions, we are also open to members of the wider community seeking to improve their own wellbeing, and the activities within the programme are open to all. We advertise upcoming events at the centre, on our social media and via word of mouth. We’re partnering with local artists, craftspeople, and arts organisations to provide workshops, taster sessions, and classes. These partnerships will strengthen community ties, benefiting both our clients and local businesses. Our services are free or low-cost for registered clients, with wider community members asked to pay what they can. Keeping costs low ensures we can support as many people as possible. Cat Andersson Liverpool Sunflowers Arts Programme https://liverpoolsunflowers.com United Kingdom Liverpool https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/liverpool tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/322485 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z 2025-02-15T17:47:14Z Since 2010, Nerd Nite Toronto has created an inclusive, welcoming, and fun place for people to get together. Each event, two or three people give presentations on a wide range of topics - whatever they're passionate about - plus trivia. The Nerd Nite community has really helped people connect over the years and the love of learning something new and interesting and unexpected. In 2020, Nerd Nite Toronto shut down for the pandemic. On November 9 2024 we hosted the first Nerd Nite Toronto in over four years, and are excited to bring Nerd Nite back as a regular part of the city's event and cultural landscape again. With the support of the the Awesome Foundation grant, Nerd Nite will return to the Tranzac Club for a Pi Day event (with pie!) as our first 2025 event. https://www.register2meet.com/nerdnitemar2025/info Lauren Shorser and Virve Aljas Nerd Nite Toronto Pi(e) Day Event https://www.register2meet.com/nerdnitemar2025 Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/326072 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z 2025-01-29T23:15:30Z Since January 7, 2025 we have been responding to the Southern California wildfires with local disability partners. Our Disability and Disaster Hotline has been fielding constant calls/texts/emails of disabled disaster survivors and families needing disaster assistance, disability supplies and equipment, and support navigating the disaster. We have been collaborating with local disability partners such as the Centers for Independent Living in the impacted and surrounding areas by supporting with technical assistance and guidance of emergency management systems. **What our grantee is saying:** "Thank you Awesome Foundation for your support of our life-saving work!" The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Disability-led Disaster Response to LA Fires http://www.disasterstrategies.org Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/319689 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z 2025-02-18T07:52:40Z Our January grant was awarded to SLAMDANCE garage, a solo performance on punk and blackness. Nestled somewhere between performance art, a rock show, and an one-act opera, Ian Andrew Askew hurdles through an hour of music, movement, and text celebrating the absurdity of explaining Black people’s participation in their own culture. SLAMDANCE garage utilizes text from Nina Simone, Audre Lorde, Drexciya, and other liberatory luminaries, reharmonizing their words to the sounds of drums, distorted vocals, electronics, and the blaring resonance of a custom-one string bass called the babatoni. Inspired by the Malawian musician Gasper Nali’s babatoni, Mississippi bluesman Moses William’s diddley-bow, and the Afro-Brazilian berimbau, the handmade instrument (nearly the same height as its player) is an homage to the technological through-lines of music across the African diaspora. The Bushwick Starr is currently presenting a new iteration of SLAMDANCE garage, offering the first multi-week run of a work by Ian Andrew Askew. The production will reach over 2000 patrons across communities in experimental theater, opera, and punk music. The renewed production – first presented at The Performing Garage in 2021 – features new songs, expanded immersive design, additional choreography by Justin Allen, and the use of open captioning and audio description for increased accessibility. Inspired by the use of supertitles in opera and the tradition of liner notes in punk records, SLAMDANCE garage will feature open captioning, allowing the audience to experience spoken and sung text in real time, fostering a more accessible experience for deaf audience members and expanding the visual experience of all audiences. Funds from AwesomeNYC will fund the position of a captions operator for all performances. * SLAMDANCE garage plays Wednesday - Saturdays from 2/8-3/1, 2025 at The Bushwick Starr * [Purchase tickets online](https://www.thebushwickstarr.org/slamdance-garage) and find out more about special events such as a special vendor market (2/22), Black Theater Night (2/21), and Closing Party (3/1) Ian Andrew Askew SLAMDANCE garage https://www.thebushwickstarr.org/slamdance-garage United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/315436 2025-01-30T00:00:00Z 2025-01-31T02:10:40Z While delving into the lives of my Sicilian family, whose immigration journeys led them to Gloucester’s Fort, I uncovered documents branding my grandfathers, Filippo Millefoglie and Pietro Favazza, as “Enemy Aliens.” This discovery shed light on a troubling history that profoundly impacted Italian Americans, including Gloucester’s fishing community. On Dec. 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Proclamation No. 2527, declaring that “subjects of Italy being of the age of fourteen years and older…are termed alien enemies.” 600,000 Italian Americans, one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, were forced to register, carry identification cards, and adhere to travel restrictions. The order imposed a curfew and the surrender of cameras, shortwave radios, and flashlights. 10,000 Italian Americans were evicted from their homes; some were imprisoned. Its impact reverberated throughout Gloucester. The Gloucester Daily Times headlined “Drastic Rules Laid Down for Enemy Aliens,” detailed restrictions and bans. Sicilian fishermen, integral to Gloucester’s fishing economy, were barred from the waterfront and cut off from their livelihood. Addressing their plight, one local politician suggested a “community farm” to provide food for these “outcasts.” My grandfathers were embedded in Gloucester’s fishing community, a force of 450 men working on more than thirty large draggers and many smaller boats. These families had 300 sons in the Allied armed services, some flying missions over their ancestral villages. Sicilians filed for naturalization, but many had their applications deferred or denied. The persecution faced by Italian Americans during WWII remains relatively unknown. My project seeks to fill a gap in maritime history by examining how Proclamation No. 2527 uprooted the lives of Gloucester’s Sicilian fishing community—families whose survival depended on the sea—and how these events impacted the local fishing industry. Maria Millefoglie Branded as "Enemy Aliens" United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/319296 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z 2025-01-30T13:43:46Z Արմավիրի մարզի Տիգրան Մեծ-ի անվան ռազմամարզական վարժարանում երեխաները անցնում են Պատմություն առարկան: Պետությունը և դպրոցի տնօրինությունը հատուկ ուշադրություն է դարձնում առարկայի լավ յուրացմանը: Հաշվի առնելով այն հանգամանքը, որ ժամանակակից աշակետները սովորում են ավելի շատ դիդակտիկ նյութեր օգտագործելով, որոշել ենք օգնել նրանց և ավելացնել Հայոց պատմություն առարկայի ուսումնական տեսական նյութերը: Դպրոցի նոր վերանորոգված միջանցքի 50 մետրանոց պատի վրա կհավաքենք հայոց պատմության տեղի ունեցած նշանավոր իրադարձություններն ու կարևոր կեր պարներ, նկարներ, լրացուցիչ տեղեկատվություն QR կոդերով, մարդկության պատմության ժամանակագրական ուղղին : Նախատեսել են, որ յուրաքանչյուր կիսամյակի ընթացքում ինֆորմացիան կթարմացվի, և ամեն անգամ երեխաները միջանցքում կանգնելով կամ այդտեղով անցնելով, մի նոր բան կսովորեն մեր պատմությունից: Աշխատանքներին ներգրավված կլինեն աշակերտները, ովքեր կկազմեն ինֆորմացիոն թերթիկները, կմշակեն դիզայնը և տպելուց հետո կհավաքեն համապատասխան ստենդի վրա: Նախատեսում ենք կազմակերպել մինչդպրոցական էքսկուրսիաներ, որոնք ուսուցողական մեծ ազդեցություն կունենան: Կունենանք հարմարավետ տարածք, որտեղ աշակերտները հաճույքով կգտնվեն և միաժամանակ կուսումնասիրեն պաստառի տեղեկատվությունն ու կհետաքրքրվեն լրացուցիչ տեղեկատվությամբ: Թեհմինե Մկրտչյան Քայլել պատմության հետ Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/310331 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z 2025-01-30T11:47:06Z I am the 8th grade special education teacher at Georgetown Middle School. I work with students in the general education classroom and in a separate setting. The students that I primarily work with typically have a specific learning disability, ADHD, Anxiety or some combination of all 3. As you can imagine, it is hard for them to sit for a period of time in the typical desk and chair classroom setting. When they come to my room, I would like to offer them flexible seating where they can feel more comfortable and confident and be able to learn in setting that suits their needs. I would like to purchase a variety of flexible seating for my classroom, such as standing desks, table and chairs that allow for sitting or standing, comfortable chairs or wiggle seats that allow students movement that they need in order to stay focused. There are a variety of options and I would like to provide my students with such variety. Christine M Russell Flexible Seating United States Georgetown, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/georgetown tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/320096 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z 2025-01-30T22:26:16Z This January, AFRI is supporting Clay Play Ceramix Studio. Based in Olneyville, Providence, they are the only queer and sex worker owned ceramic studio in Rhode Island. This is a private studio with a limited number of residents that holds free community workshops and private lessons for queer/trans sex workers. Their kiln desperately needs new shelves after years of wear and tear; AFRI's support will allow the studio to keep on firing. Clay Play Ceramix Studio Clay Play Ceramix Studio United States Rhode Island https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/rhodeisland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/319497 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z 2025-03-12T16:46:18Z Our initiative shares art and poetry with the communities of Housing Transitions, including those that support low-income residents, through one-hour community sessions open to residents of Evergreen Heights, Pleasant Hills, and other properties. We aspire to build connectedness as a way of uplifting the State College community. We’ve attached some pictures from our first holiday-inspired collage session at Evergreen Heights. Ria Sharma, Anshuta Beeram Engaging Hearts & Minds: Arts Uniting Communities United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/321916 2025-01-28T00:00:00Z 2025-01-29T03:58:48Z BLAQK is a documentary that will speak to the intersectional experience of Black Trans existence in life and Portland, Oregon — It will touch on themes of desirability, navigating transness within Black community and vice versa and more! the overarch is to honor Black Trans journeys in its rawness and fluidity. the hope is to deter from giving a monolithic narrative to Black Trans identity; since we aren't all living the same; we just share some of the same intersections is all. — J Jackson BLAQK https://www.gofundme.com/f/blaqk United States Portland, OR https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/portland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/321120 2025-01-28T00:00:00Z 2025-01-30T15:37:44Z Lucky Jefferson uses art and storytelling to bring people together. Our mission is simple, we publish social change. We mobilize today's artists and writers to do good by providing safe spaces for their voices and collaboration with others to address pressing societal issues. With a focus on creative impact, we ground ourselves in the power of art as a way toward challenge norms and reform the world we knew. Through our work, we aim to magnify voices that are routinely oppressed. Juan H., a currently incarcerated artist, is teaming up with us for a print project that explores the complex and often overlooked relationships formed in prison. This initiative invites incarcerated individuals to reflect on unconventional bonds—such as the connection between a man and his found record collection, the strength of communal ties, and the relationships formed within the confines of the prison system. Through this project, Juan and other participants will share personal stories, offering unique insights into the human need for connection in a setting where such bonds are often unseen. It challenges societal norms and opens a conversation about the emotional lives of incarcerated individuals, providing a public-facing platform for voices typically excluded. Juan’s vulnerability and leadership along with our support will ensure that this project stays grounded in lived experience. The funding from the Chicago Awesome Foundation will be crucial in compensating contributors and supporting the creation of the final publication. This grant enables the project's success, and helps bring these undiscovered narratives to the public. Lucky Jefferson Bonds Behind Bars http://luckyjefferson.com United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/322779 2025-01-28T00:00:00Z 2025-01-30T15:40:27Z I currently offer Fashion Craft Workshops for women and girls. Within these Workshops, participants learn to revamp existing items and turn them into a unique, custom piece. Participants are encouraged to Be Unique, Stand Out and Dream Big. I have been wanting to add Sewing Workshops to my menu. This would allow workshops to reach new heights as participants would be taught the fundamentals of creating fashion on another level. This investment would enable me to provide hands-on sewing classes, empowering women and girls with valuable skills in design, creativity, and sustainability. These workshops would foster a sense of community while promoting self-expression and eco-conscious practices through upcycling and crafting. It will serve as a welcoming space for participants to connect, share ideas, and create lasting bonds, building a stronger sense of community. By teaching practical and artistic techniques, the workshops will also contribute to sustainability, encouraging participants to repair, upcycle, and create their own clothing and crafts, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. This initiative will inspire confidence, provide a platform for entrepreneurship, and celebrate the diverse talents of Chicago’s women and girls, making our city a more vibrant and inclusive place. Seneca Stevenson Dream Girl Sewing Class https://dreamgirlstudio.net/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/323842 2025-01-27T00:00:00Z 2025-02-18T21:49:33Z On March 1, 826DC will be presenting “Dear Adult,” a special performance of DC young people’s written works reflecting on this moment in our nation’s history. Throughout January and February, 826DC will be hosting a series of workshops designed to empower young writers to speak truth to power through the art of letter writing. These workshops will take place at 826DC’s after-school program (for DC public school students grades K-8), at DCPS elementary, middle, and high schools across the city, and in public sessions with our partners at Hubbard Place and Portner Flats. Young people will be asked to write a persuasive letter to an adult of their choice in a position of power. The letter – rooted in the concept, “If you could speak freely to someone in a position of power, what would you say?” – will focus on an issue that is important to them, or a question they have for that adult. Students will then read these letters aloud in a public performance at Arena Stage on Saturday, March 1. Leading up to the performance, we hope to provide several public speaking rehearsals for students who are new to presenting in public. Following the performance, these young people’s letters will be published in a professionally-bound publication that will be distributed to students and made available for purchase at the 826DC store. Check out a few early excerpts of letters from our after-school students: • “Dear President Trump, I’m tired. We, the people of America, are all tired. I bet that you are tired of receiving letters like this. I implore you to consider why. I want to know when there will be equal rights for women.” • “Dear Superintendent Mr. Lewis Ferebee, Homework is unfair because we work all day and a lot of kids are in aftercare and they get tired so they won’t practice well. That’s why homework is unfair and I want to lay with my cat and dog.” • “Dear Family, Why don’t kids make their own choices? We treat people with respect. I love you!!!” 826DC “Dear Adult” http://826dc.org United States Washington, DC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/dc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/319149 2025-01-22T00:00:00Z 2025-01-23T15:53:43Z I am an informal educator working to bring accessible arts workshops with a heavy focus on accessibility and sustainability to the San Antonio community. I currently offer various printmaking mediums, but am looking to expand to mosaics, soldering, jewelry-making, and more. I work mostly with local non-profits and small business and split profits with my host venues, and any money I walk away from ticket sales for these workshops with is directly reinvested for future workshops. Ideally, I would love to be able to work independently and offer no-cost or donation-based workshops in the future. My hope with these events is to enrich people's lives by not only offering them time to be creative, but also to showcase the beauty in the mundane of our world and help people think more creatively about how they can use what they have to create beauty in the world around them. I firmly believe good art takes into account its impact on the community and the planet, and when we incorporate upcycling into our art practices, we can make them more accessible for ourselves by reducing the barrier of cost, and we help the planet we live on by reducing waste and incorporating previously unused items like thrift store china, $2 organza, and picture frames. Anfisa Brewer Accessible Arts Workshops https://www.instagram.com/dirtybonesdesignco?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/314102 2025-01-22T00:00:00Z 2025-01-26T13:01:41Z We are excited to share the exciting News! The Ipswich public schools is happy to announce an afterschool program for our middle school youth. Students are invited to join us during after school hours and participate in a variety of activities. Students will have the opportunity to have participate in group activities such as ping pong tournaments, dodgeball games, outdoor activities community service , creative arts, bake off competitions, and don’t you worry snacks will be provided! Students will also have access to the YMCA and library . The afterschool program will be a drop in program for youth in the Ipswich community who are looking for a place to socialize, and simply enjoy time together with peers. We have conducted a survey with the middle school students and the responses were extremely positive! Alicia Merry Ipswich Middle School Extended Day Drop In Pilot United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/319998 2025-01-21T00:00:00Z 2025-01-23T15:00:19Z Basketball has always been more than a game to me—it’s been a part of who I am. Growing up in Philadelphia, I spent countless hours on the court, playing the game I loved. As a high school athlete and still a high school student today, I shared the dream of so many others: to see myself in action, captured in the moments that defined us as players. But the reality for me and my teammates was often disappointing. Hiring a professional photographer to document our games was something we couldn’t afford. Many of us came from families working hard just to get by, and paying for professional pictures wasn’t an option. I remember the feeling of watching other teams post their professional shots on social media or sharing them with recruiters, knowing we didn’t have the same chance. It wasn’t just about having cool pictures to share. These photos could have been tools to showcase our talent, open doors for scholarships, or even just preserve memories of some of the most significant times in our lives. We didn’t just miss out on photos—we missed out on opportunities. My life took an unexpected turn when I was sidelined from playing due to heart issues. It was devastating to step away from a sport that meant everything to me, but I wasn’t ready to let go of basketball altogether. I found a new way to stay connected to the game: photography. Armed with my camera, I started capturing the passion, energy, and resilience of athletes across the city—many of whom were in the same position I once was. Now, I take sports photos for free, ensuring no young athlete misses out on having their story told. As a high school student, I balance classes, homework, and my photography passion by traveling around Philadelphia to document games, practices, and candid moments. This project is about more than just pictures. It’s about giving back, about creating equity where there wasn’t any before. George Lane Philly Frames: Where Sports Meet Stories United States Philadelphia, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/philadelphia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/318193 2025-01-20T00:00:00Z 2025-03-17T20:04:10Z Pittsburgh Social Health is hosting its first ever Connection Expo. Our aspiration is to offer a one-stop opportunity for attendees to connect with organizations and clubs in the region. Our why: we believe social connection and building meaningful relationships is good for many reasons, namely improved mental health, reduced social isolation, increased civic engagement, and a net positive impact in the community. While social media and digital tools go a long way, it would be useful to bring interested residents and organizations together in one space for a more up-close and interactive opportunity to connect and be more involved. Haley Ingersoll Connection Expo https://www.pghsocialhealth.org/connection-expo United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/317637 2025-01-16T00:00:00Z 2025-01-23T14:14:12Z Our awesome project is a student-run initiative based out of Queen’s University called Yarning for Love. We are a group of student knitters and crocheters who create items for the Kingston General Hospital to be donated to new families and Childhood Cancer Canada to be donated to youth newly diagnosed with cancer across the country. From hats to baby blankets to stuffed animals, our group creates a variety of projects, each handmade with lots of yarning love. Our mission is to put our love for knitting and crocheting, creativity, and passion into helping the Kingston community and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In the three years that our club has been running, we have donated over 1000 items to our partner organizations – something of which we are incredibly proud of! We value creating a non-judgemental space for connection and creativity as we are an equal opportunity club – any student can join regardless of skill level! We teach our members how to knit and crochet and love to see the progress our beginners make by the end of the year. We also strive to create a barrier free experience for our members by eliminating club fees and providing all members with free yarn and supplies (knitting needles and crochet hooks) to ensure that one’s financial situation is not a barrier to making a difference in our community. We have a small but mighty executive team of 6 members and a general member population of 250 students. Having just completed our fall semester donation, nearly 250 items were donated between our two partners, and they were ecstatic! We are always searching for ways to expand our reach in the Kingston community by inquiring about working in partnership with retirement homes and fellow Queen’s clubs. All in all, we are a group of young individuals who seek to destress through art to make a difference in our community! Lia Kirkpatrick Queen's University Yarning for Love https://www.instagram.com/yarningforlovequ?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/306860 2025-01-16T00:00:00Z 2025-03-04T03:48:59Z AwesomeStPaul is pleased to award our second January 2025 grant to Career Pathways, a 6-12 school in St. Paul. Our grant will be used to put on their school's first-ever school play including materials for props. Congratulations! According to applicant Brittany Schmidtknecht, "Our English teacher was gone a number of days and as a co-teacher I filled in. I know we have struggling readers at school who are skeptical to read around others. I found a few short skits and had the students perform them. Watching them was a surprise. They excelled and came alive! Kids who never talked in class were up talking and ready to perform in front of the class. They asked to do more skits and the next class period and following week. The whole class talked about it and about how much they enjoyed it. By their second skit, they were making props and talking louder and more confident. The next day, I had them write their own skits and they were funny and full of charisma. I told the students they should ask a teacher to sponsor an elective class that could put on a longer production or a play. They then asked me and I couldn't say no. Listening to them read was so moving!" Brittany Schmidtknecht Bringing the Theater Experience to Cpath United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/312012 2025-01-15T00:00:00Z 2025-01-26T23:54:20Z Purpose of our Sweat Lodge The sweat lodge is a sacred space for purification, healing, prayer, and community connection in Native American traditions. It serves as a spiritual and cultural practice where individuals come together to pray, reflect, and reconnect with themselves, their community, and the natural world. Cultural and Community Importance 1. Cultural Preservation: Sweat lodges are integral to maintaining and passing down traditional Native practices. They promote cultural identity and pride among participants, particularly for youth and those seeking to reconnect with their heritage. 2. Healing and Wellness: The ceremony fosters physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It provides a safe space for participants to address trauma, addiction, grief, and other personal challenges. 3. Community Connection: Sweat lodge ceremonies strengthen bonds between community members, creating an environment of mutual support, understanding, and unity. Stephen Hurley Community Sweat lodge United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/318612 2025-01-14T00:00:00Z 2025-01-15T23:17:48Z The student leaders in my Leadership Training Course have been responsible for setting up our new schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative for our PK-8 school. They sought students' voices regarding our schoolwide behavior expectations and matrix. They also worked on obtaining prizes for students who earn WEIS Bucks for following our schoolwide expectations (Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe) by writing to 55 community businesses. Their next step in developing our program is teaching the elementary students and their middle school peers about the behavioral expectations. They will do this through student-created videos. Student-produced videos will help send positive messaging about our schoolwide behavior expectations. In the fall of the 2023-2024 school year, only 54.5% of students reported a sense of belonging to Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School, as evidenced by the Panorama Social-Emotional Learning Survey. Data also indicate that attendance and school safety are school needs. We hope this project will decrease negative behavior and help students feel safe again. In addition to these videos focused on PBIS, they will also produce fun videos that support positive school culture, climate, and pride. Recently, our group has also been charged with capturing memories and putting together our yearbook, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Waimanalo School. We need additional equipment to do this. This proposed project will help our student leaders play a role in addressing some of these needs and possibly identifying and working toward solutions. Based on the research, we know that when students have authentic experiences and audiences like the ones outlined in this proposal, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning, and the quality of their work increases. We also know from the literature that building students' sense of agency is key to engagement and future learning. David Yung Student Leaders' Agency Through Video Production http://NA United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/313667 2025-01-14T00:00:00Z 2025-01-18T15:45:02Z The NHS Robotics Team has over 30 dedicated high school students, based in Newmarket, Ontario. Our team has actively participated in various robotics competitions VEX Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, First Robotics Competition, and Skills Ontario Robotics Contest. Our program fosters innovation and life skills by replicating a professional team environment where students take on roles like programmers, builders and scouts. Through engineering notebooks and self-assigned goals, students gain practical experience, which prepares them for STEM-related careers. Our alumni have advanced to companies like Tesla and Amazon Global Robotics Cortney Cassidy c/o NHS Ricci Tam, YRDSB Newmarket High School - Phoenix Robotics Team Canada Newmarket https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newmarket-ontario tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/314911 2025-01-14T00:00:00Z 2025-01-19T22:42:17Z “I paint immersive natural environments, interrupted by animals, plants, or pop culture icons that are ripped from their original context. Looking at these visually pleasing compositions invites further questions about why these subjects are being consumed in the same glance. This idea is emphasized with the abrupt positioning of subjects that don't fit with the surrounding. For example, in "Ocean Birdscape: California Condor," condors are positioned in the middle of an underwater scene, next to images of an imposing church and inviting waterlilies that creep towards a school of fish. Additionally, in "Garfield - Frolic in the Woods," a glitchy Garfield is floating in front of a cold mountain landscape, next to the omnipresent gaze of a ghostly fish. These scenes don't make sense when consuming nature in the real world, but do they in the blurred landscape of the internet? How does this affect our attitude towards nature? While creating these composition, I have been extremely aware of the impending doom of climate change and other future uncertainties. In this context, appreciating nature in its original context is more important than ever. I aim to emphasize the beauty of natural subjects by centering them in my compositions. Ripping subjects from their contexts prompts questions about how we consume nature in a sterile, cleansed way. The internet provides access to nature for millions of people, but is complexity and fragility in the face of climate change communicated enough?” More on Instagram @russtang_art and at http://russellstangeland.com/ Russell Stangeland Nature Collages: Blurred Apocalypse and Frolicking http://russellstangeland.com United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/321870 2025-01-13T00:00:00Z 2025-01-14T00:37:03Z The Mennello Museum of American Art is thrilled to bring back its 10th Annual Indie-Folkfest on February 15, 2025, an exciting celebration of music, art, and culture. Presented by VyStar Credit Union, this free, family-friendly festival will be held in Orlando, offering a vibrant lineup of local musicians, food vendors, and fun activities for all ages. The event will feature performances from talented local acts like Oakhill Drifters, Beth McKee and her Funky Time Band, Beemo, Claire Vandiver, and Skinny McGee, alongside Emcee Blue Star. In addition to the live music, festivalgoers can enjoy delicious food and beverages from local favorites such as Guesthouse, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Rock Paper Scissors Eat. The festival will also host a variety of activities, including yard games by Triangle Lawn Games, hands-on project stations, and a bespoke raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses and attractions. This community event, supported by the Museum’s City-Appointed Board of Trustees, not only highlights the creative talents of local artists and businesses but also helps fund the Mennello Museum’s educational programs. Be sure to mark your calendar for this exciting day of music, food, and community spirit! Emily Jensen Indie-Folkfest 2025 https://www.mennellomuseum.org/Events/2025-Indie-Folkfest-at-the-Mennello-Museum United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/315147 2025-01-12T00:00:00Z 2025-01-14T22:27:48Z "Reading Under the Redwood" would be a monthly program designed to foster a love of reading and strengthen community ties through immersive storytelling. Set against the stunning backdrop of our hostel's majestic redwood tree in Santa Cruz, this initiative invites children to gather for enchanting storytelling sessions. Each month, children of all ages will have the opportunity to listen to a variety of captivating books read aloud by local volunteers and community members. Sara Tinger Reading Under the Redwood http://www.santacruzhostel.org United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/318877 2025-01-12T00:00:00Z 2025-01-14T22:27:14Z Cabaret is a comical and beautiful musical that also addresses important topics like anti-Semitism, homophobia, facism and their effects on communities .For our production, we are creating an immersive experience that encourages the audience to think critically about the way the events of Weimar Germany in the early 1930's relate to our own experiences now. We have created thoroughly researched lobby displays with historical context and interactive elements to encourage the audience to get involved, and our goal is to motivate the audience to action and activism to prevent similar events from happening here and now. Throughout history, art and theater have been a key way for stories of oppression to be told, for affirming identity, and for communities to come together. Cabaret is a prime example of how art can inspire audiences to look inward and to action, and we are really working to create something impactful and moving. Kyle Vasquez Cabaret the Musical http://renegadetheaterco.org United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/304840 2025-01-09T00:00:00Z 2025-03-04T03:49:15Z AwesomeStPaul's first grant recipient of 2025 is the Art Department of John A. Johnson High School. With this grant, the school will be able to make repairs to their ceramics equipment. We chose them because we want to encourage creativity in our community, and an important way to do that is to provide tools for student projects in the arts. Congratulations! Jessie Tran Repairs for Johnson High School Art Department United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/317662 2025-01-08T00:00:00Z 2025-01-11T20:22:40Z At Arab Women United (501c3), we are committed to empowering women through accessible resources that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Our Thrive: Wellness Program combines mental health education with nutritional wellness, recognizing the strong connection between mental and physical health. The program consists of interactive seminars led by licensed mental health professionals and nutritionists, covering topics such as stress management, building emotional resilience, and the impact of nutrition on mental health. Participants gain culturally sensitive insights into balancing their mental health while learning practical approaches to healthier eating and lifestyle habits. Through guided activities, resource-sharing, and open discussions, the Thrive program equips women with tools to enhance their overall quality of life. By addressing these interconnected areas, we aim to foster a holistic approach to wellness that empowers women to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Zahraa Alrafish Thrive: Mental Wellness Initiative Program http://www.arabwomenunited.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/307494 2025-01-05T00:00:00Z 2025-01-13T02:59:30Z The Newburgh Creates Foundation is excited to announce the launch of our FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team for the 2024-2025 school year, open to Newburgh youth ages 9-14. This public program will engage students in STEM, creative problem-solving, and teamwork, as they build and program LEGO robots to complete missions for competition in the FLL "First Dive" ocean-themed season. Along with designing and coding their robots, participants will also tackle a research-based team project and presentation, following the FLL guidelines. A significant focus of this grant proposal is to secure scholarship funding, ensuring students from Newburgh who face financial barriers can participate without cost concerns. Scholarships would cover essentials like registration fees, materials, and travel expenses for regional competitions. With the help of Awesome Newburgh, we aim to create an accessible program that welcomes students from all backgrounds to explore their potential in STEM fields. Jason C. Otero FIRST LEGO League Program Proposal and Scholarship https://www.newburghcreates.com/first-lego-league United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/320201 2025-01-05T00:00:00Z 2025-01-13T02:59:00Z Our team, Paddles for Battles, hosted a charity pickleball tournament in August of last year with only two goals: helping to unite our community, while also helping give back to our community. We started with the simple goal of wanting to bring friends and family together for some fun tournament play, but we saw the opportunity in our idea and immediately pounced on it. We ended up seeing participation from over 16 teams and raised over $500 for our beneficiary, The Newburgh Ministry. This year, we plan on hosting our second annual event in mid-late May 2025 in Delano Hitch Park on the renovated basketball courts that are available to rent. We are starting our advertising push now, with social media content and physical flyers in communal spaces around Newburgh. We are also contacting potential sponsors or vendors willing to set up stands around the basketball courts. Local public figures such as council members and the mayor will be informed of the event and we will send out a friendly invite if they want to come out and speak a few words. Live music from local performers, a fun day with an easy-to-pick-up, low-effort sport like pickleball accessible to all ages, and local artisans and businesses as vendors and food! Robert Rios Paddles For Battles Community Day 2025 United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/313353 2025-01-02T00:00:00Z 2025-01-03T01:30:12Z The first of two Awesome Ottawa awards for December goes to Amanda Palmer and the Mechanicsville Community Association to support community gatherings for mental health. “Mechanicsville is a small neighbourhood of about 2,500 people,” explains Amanda, “and in the last six months we have had several neighbours die by suicide.” “We know this because it occurred in a public way, or because they had previously been an active volunteer in the community.” “As a result,” says Amanda, “many neighbours have been wondering what can be done in the future, and what they may have been able to do, should they have recognized the signs, or known what to do with the signs they did recognize.” “What we have identified,” she continues, “is both the need to increase community connections and relationships, and to create more access points to knowledge and resources around mental health and suicide in our community.” “We intend to hold a ‘Neighbour Night: Take a Mental Health Break!’ gathering on January 23 to do just that. We plan to offer a community meal to enable people to show up, and to get to know one another. During dinner, we will have a community conversation to allow for deeper connection and to better understand needs and opportunities around mental health. The second hour will include guest speakers who will share information about what can be done in these contexts, as well as share what resources are available.” “Additionally,” says Amanda, “we plan to have a community grief tree as a ritual to allow people to make a communal expression of grief for those who are no longer with us, or for those who are struggling.” The [Mechanicsville Community Association] (https://www.mechanicsville.ca/) is a group of volunteers interested in promoting and protecting the interests of Mechanicsville residents. Mechanicsville Community Association Community Gatherings to Enhance Mental Health https://www.mechanicsville.ca/ Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/309353 2025-01-02T00:00:00Z 2025-01-03T13:56:45Z The second of two Awesome Ottawa awards for December goes to Toni van Eeden to support a series of sensory-immersive live music shows using interconnected wireless headphones. “Inside Voice,” explains Toni, “will be a series of sensory-immersive live music shows that mean to move us into more sustainable ways of relating to ourselves and the natural world. Taking the tools of the Silent Disco – interconnected wireless headphones – and applying mycelial thinking to it, these shows will be designed with nervous system regulation and aftercare in mind.” “Each pair of headphones has its own volume control,” Toni continues, “and allows for people to be standing or sitting many feet apart from each other and from the performer without sacrificing the quality of the show. This means we can essentially perform anywhere without worrying about bylaw-enforced noise restrictions or choosing venues with proper sound equipment. Being more creative with our choice of space also means being able to be more immuno-friendly, sensory friendly, and contextual to the content of the show.” Besides themself – under the moniker [PARTYGIRL] (https://partygirlrising.com/) – the project will also include Bleu Pâle (DJ moniker of visual and tattoo artist Coblou), Ardea (ambient dub techno), and Taymaz Valley (poet and beatmaker). “Inside Voice shows,” says Toni, “will be about inviting audiences to become introspective and self-reflective, and to experience something that will transform us and grow our capacity to strive for sustainable togetherness.” Toni is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work deals mainly with themes of grief, the hidden self, and the sensory body. They have worked in the local arts scene for over a decade, with a focus on education and consultation in entrepreneurship and event organizing. Toni van Eeden Inside Voice Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/315427 2024-12-31T00:00:00Z 2025-01-05T23:05:16Z ParaCliffHangers is the largest paraclimbing network in the United States, serving as a national leader in adaptive climbing with over 23 chapters dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through accessible climbing lifestyle. Our project, "Adaptive Rock Climbing—A Community for Everyone," aims to further our commitment to inclusivity by providing all chapters with adaptive-specific gear, ensuring that our community is accessible to climbers of all abilities. In 2025, we are focused on securing funding for essential adaptive equipment, specifically the Easy Seat harness and T-Bar Ascender. These adaptive climbing tools are crucial for supporting individuals with various severe mobility needs, making climbing accessible. Equipping each chapter at $800 per set represents a significant investment directly impacting our ability to provide a truly inclusive experience. We aim to achieve 100% accessibility across all ParaCliffHangers chapters by the end of 2025. By funding this project, you are helping us ensure that everyone in our community can access the tools and support they need to climb. **What our grantee is saying:** "Receiving this award from the Awesome Foundation is an incredible honor and a reflection of our shared commitment to inclusion, equity, and community. At ParaCliffHangers, our mission is to build an inclusive climbing community for people with disabilities, led by people with disabilities. This micro-grant will directly support that mission by funding adaptive climbing gear, which is essential for creating accessible spaces where paraclimbers can thrive. We're grateful for the recognition and support as we continue breaking barriers and fostering impact through climbing." Denny Kowska Adaptive Rock Climbing - A Community for Everyone https://www.paracliffhangers.org/ Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/310796 2024-12-31T00:00:00Z 2025-01-08T06:32:54Z We are excited that our December 2024 grant was awarded to Bee University NYC (Bee-U), a community-driven nonprofit based in Staten Island that inspires environmental stewardship and fosters the next generation of green leaders through urban beekeeping. With a focus on education, sustainability, and environmental justice, Bee-U offers unique programs like the Urban Beekeeping Fellowship and Hive Experiences. Bee-U connects people from across New York City to the wonders of pollinators while empowering underrepresented groups in the green economy. From free events to innovative partnerships, Bee University NYC is creating a buzz for a more sustainable future. Follow them on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/beeuniversitynyc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/beeuniversitynyc/) to learn more. Do you want to get involved? * Apply for the Urban Beekeeping Fellowship: The Urban Beekeeping Fellowship is a transformative paid program for youth ages 16-24 designed to empower underrepresented groups in the green economy. Fellows learn the art and science of beekeeping while exploring environmental justice and sustainability issues in their communities. The Fellowship application is released in March and you can [apply directly on their website](https://www.beeuniversitynyc.org/urban-beekeeping-fellowship). * Sign up for a Hive Experience: Bee University NYC Hive Experiences are unique, hands-on workshops designed to connect people of all ages (8 and older) with the fascinating world of honeybees. These one-time experiences provide an educational and interactive opportunity to learn about beekeeping, honeybees' essential role in our ecosystem, and the delicious diversity of honey. Participants can gear up with protective suits and step into a beekeeping area to observe live honey bees in action. Hive experiences are available from May - September and can be [booked here starting in March](https://www.beeuniversitynyc.org/plan-a-visit). * Donate: Your donation to Bee University NYC directly supports their mission to empower the next generation of green leaders and promote environmental stewardship through urban beekeeping. With your help, Bee-U can continue to provide innovative programming, maintain their hives and pollinator gardens, and create meaningful opportunities for underserved communities. [You can donate here](https://www.beeuniversitynyc.org/donate). Andre Ware Bee University NYC http://beeuniversitynyc.org United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/311522 2024-12-31T00:00:00Z 2025-02-22T17:31:59Z This project will be a collaboration between neighbourhood children and a professional mural artist. We plan to have a series of workshops to reconnect children with local green spaces, habitats and water systems. Children will make connections between the importance of caring for our local habitats, reducing the amount of waste they produce, and ensuring that garbage and plastics do not enter into our water systems and soil. The children and the mural artist will build on their experiences with the natural environment to collaborate on a vibrant and beautiful mural for the Dentonia Park recreation building with text in predominant neighbourhood languages (i.e. English, Bengali, and Chinese). We live in a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood where Dentonia Park is one of the only outdoor spaces for many children. Yet, the park is at times so littered with garbage that children cannot play freely. The intent of the mural will be to inspire and engage community members to take care of our green spaces and ecosystems. Jessica Hein Dentonia Park Community Mural Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/toronto