The goal of Story Tapestries has always been to engage at-risk, high-need communities using the arts as the tool for meeting objectives in Literacy, STEAM, Social-Emotional, Self and Community development. Our greatest strength has been our ability to custom-design programs to meet the specific needs of a community. This has taken on new meaning as our global community and local residents in the Greater Washington Region and across Maryland are coping with the spread of COVID-19.
Access to educational resources is unequal. At every age we are dealing with the complexity of emotions including fear, loss, and a total disruption of our sense of what is "normal." We are missing physical contact and the power of the "hug" to make us feel better. Some of us have already felt the loss of a loved one, or the difficulty of what it means to in-home quarantine, or to know that your loved one is continuing to work in a hospital or other setting that is putting them at risk each day.
Story Tapestries programs facilitate our ability to congregate and communicate in this time of isolation, providing creative outlets that also create a space for each voice to be heard. Live-streamed performances, synchronous and asynchronous video lessons, and interactive workshops for educators all support community connection and closing the education gap. In addition, activity kits with visual journals and art supplies create a safe space to guide independent and adult-led learning at home.
We use the power of the arts to break down barriers and support individuals as they navigate complex and difficult feelings. Our programs create virtual "hugs" for our community members. Gaps in access to educational tools that support economically challenged families, those with special needs and English language learners are heightened. Tools such as visual journals and arts-based lessons enhance academic and social-emotional learning and create positive possibilities for children's future.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
