Healthy Communities Healthy Kids CoalitionArtful Living and Healthy KidsBy Susan Cornell courtesy of Shore Publishing, LLC. Originally published in The Source, Aug. 28
 Cheryl Chandler accepts the donation from Artful Living's Chris Solimene and Big Director John Pike
Informed Producer and performer (as well as HKYFS Board of Director member) Chris Solimene was delighted to make the local donation. “Studies of our two communities, Haddam and Killingworth, show that our youth need more than what is provided in the schools and at home. We’ve heard it said, but what I do with Artful Living Productions via the summer musicals is create a safe environment where ‘it takes a village’ to raise our children,” he said. “Of the key developmental assets needed for adolescents, we provide a caring environment, empowerment to partake in service for others, high expectations for their behavior through the modeling of appropriate adult role models, and a constructive use of time creating joy for their families, friends, and the community at large. The bonus that this is fun and culturally educational makes this a win-win-win for everyone. I believe we owe it to our youth to put our money where our mouths are.” Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth Executive Director Cheryl Chandler explained that the monies donated are designated to the coalition (as opposed to an unrestricted donation to Youth & Family Services). The coalition has been funded through a federal grant. “We just reapplied for a second five years of funding but we’re not sure if we’re going to get it so it’s really great that Chris has designated the funds to help the work that was already done,” said Chandler. “If we don’t get the grant, it’s going to be really valuable to have that kind of money and it will also enhance the programs that are already in place even if we do get the grant.” The coalition works on the developmental asset model, which tries to build relationships between kids and adults, and helps kids feel valued by the community, Chandler explained. “BIG has done two things: one is to raise money and the other is to provide an experience that promotes positive development for all of the youth that were in that play,” she added. Coalition co-chair and former Haddam selectwoman Tanja Moriarty of Higganum said, “We are grateful for the generous donation from the Artful Living theater group which will help Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids coalition efforts. We applaud the Artful Living group because they are a perfect example of the multi-generational, asset building process–people working with youth and members of the community to encourage meaningful relationships through shared activities to promote healthy behaviors and a healthier community. Hats off to Artful Living for their quality, community theater production of BIG this year, and last year’s performance of Oliver!” |
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