Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) is always so excited at how much good work is happening in East Chicago! That is one of the many reasons FEC supports all the great local organizations working so hard to make a difference in the community. One of those local non profits is For The Love of The Arts Inc. they are an organization dedicated to reducing youth violence and crime through education in the fine arts, mentorship, and leadership training. They promote the positive identity of students and community through their core values: Empowerment, Purpose, Love of Learning, Confidence, Social Skills and Life Skills.
In 2018, For The Love of The Arts Inc. received a program grant from FEC to use towards an after school programming at Lighthouse Academy and Lincoln Elementary in East Chicago. These programs include a unique approach to tutoring and S.T.E.A.M based enrichment courses in the area of the fine arts. Another area they are focusing on is promoting Anti-bulling. In April they held several rallies and had guest speakers speak to the kids on the importance of respect, kindness and staying away from bullying. The kids were even given an Anti-Bulling Pledge to sign!
Janet Wozniak, FEC’s Community Program Director, visited one of these rallies and commented the following: “Each of the children were holding a copy of the Anti-Bullying Pledge. The children were very well behaved as Ms. Sade Carrasquillo, Executive Director For the Love of the Arts was on stage reviewing the Anti-Bullying Pledge with the children. No one wants to be bullied! It is important to treat others with respect; stick up for other students being bullied; be a good role model for younger students and be a positive leader in your school, at home and in the community; when you email or text people, always use kind words and share your password with your parents; go talk to your principal to see how you can get involved; don’t criticize people, this is a form of bullying; don’t talk about racism or someone’s culture. Lastly, it takes everyone to make a change!”
FEC believes “it takes a village” and funding programs like this one, which contribute to the well-being of our kids and community is something FEC prides itself on. Keep up the great work For The Love of The Arts Inc!
