OAC WORKSHOP WILL HELP APPALACHIAN ORGANIZATIONS

To help small organizations deal with financial challenges, the Ohio Arts Council's Appalachian Program will sponsor a workshop April 28-May 1 in three southeastern Ohio communities. Navigating White Water in a Leaky Raft will help participants develop the practical skills they need to translate theory into practice as they face constant change. Sessions will be offered at the University of Rio Grande, Hocking College and Southern State Community College. For more information contact Appalachian Program Field Coordinator Donna Sue Groves at 937-549-2131 or email dsgroves@bright.net.

YOUTHREACH FUNDS PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH IN OHIO

YouthReach Ohio, the Ohio Arts Council's latest initiative to address the needs of young people at risk, has awarded 19 grants for a total of $450,000. The two-year pilot program gives communities ways to create positive arts experiences for young people in a supportive environment. There were 43 requests for funding, totaling $1,371,058. "With the support of our legislators we were able to create a valuable extension of our Arts in Education Program. It takes us beyond our reach into the schools and touches the heart of the community," said Wayne Lawson, Ohio Arts Council executive director. "The response to the program was overwhelming. So many excellent projects came in for funding, we wish we could have supported more of them."

YouthReach Ohio is intended to foster collaborations between arts organizations and other community organizations, especially social service agencies. The initiative is based on recent research that demonstrates the impact of successful arts programs on at-risk youth:

• Decreases in delinquent behavior and court referrals.

• Increased communication skills.

• Improved ability to complete tasks.

YouthReach Ohio provides a base of support for programs that nurture the development and creative spirit of youth. The program targets young people who are at risk of not making a successful transition from adolescence to young adulthood, including those with disabilities, school dropouts, homeless youth, young people facing neighborhood violence, court-involved youth, runaways and pregnant or parenting teens. For more information on the YouthReach Ohio Program call the Ohio Arts Council at 614/466-2613 or visit www.oac.state.oh.us.

Akron
Greater Akron Musical Association

Cincinnati
Art Links
Art Opportunities
University of Cincinnati Office of Sponsored Programs
Urban Appalachian Council

Cleveland
Cleveland Public Theatre
Cleveland Signstage Theatre Friends of the Cleveland School of the Arts

Columbus
Cultural Arts Center
Columbus Association for the Performing Arts

Dayton
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Mansfield
Arts & Science Discovery Center at Richland Academy

Marietta
Community 20/20

Portsmouth
Portsmouth Public Library

Shawnee
Sunday Creek Associates

Springfield
Clark State Community College

Toledo
Arts Council of Lake Erie West

West Liberty
Mad River Theater Works

Wooster
Wayne Center for the Arts