Our friends at Patchwork Central would like you to know more about them and the wonderful offerings they have for children and families!
Since its founding in 1977, Patchwork has worked to serve its neighborhood through flexible and innovative programming that matches the talents and interests of those involved to the needs of our community.
Today, Patchwork serves individuals and families with unique arts and enrichment programming for youth, an emergency food pantry, hospitality offered to all our neighbors, a community garden and meditative green spaces, facilities for other community organizations, and a health ministry offering health screenings and consultation with a nurse.
In a single year, thousands of people come through their doors. As part of the community fabric, Patchwork changes the lives of those it serves by giving them a sense of hope, a place of acceptance, and a bright outlook for the future. Patchwork is a place where people come together and learn from one another.
Today, Patchwork serves individuals and families with a food pantry (since 1982), neighborhood hospitality (a cup of coffee, telephone usage, someone to listen, etc.), a community garden (created in 1995), low-rent facilities for other community organizations, a bicycle program, a Health Ministry, and unique art/education programs for kids (Arts & Smarts).
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Arts & Smarts is an after school and summer enrichment program for children. All activities are offered at no cost to families. The programming includes a wide variety of activities, but places a particular emphasis on unique experiences in the arts.
Our programming builds mentoring relationships as it surrounds children and youth with a strong and supportive community of adult staff and volunteers. These adults encourage and celebrate the children’s individual interests and structure the programming around those interests.
Arts & Smarts programming takes place Monday-Thursday afternoons during the school year (from the day after Labor Day to the end of April) and Monday-Thursday mornings for 5 weeks in June and July.
To participate, children must be registered by a parent or guardian. Registration forms can be downloaded below or picked up in Patchwork’s main office.
Children in grades 6-8 receive special leadership training and opportunities to have fun together. Teens in grades 9-12 can further develop their leadership skills by serving as Teen Volunteers.
Each day includes a wide variety of activities including:
- Art (ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, videos, and more!)
- Preparing healthy snacks
- Gardening
- Leadership Training
- Walks in the neighborhood
- Substance Abuse Prevention Activities
Each year, thousands of people come through our doors to receive services directly from Patchwork. Many additional people attended special events, meetings, workdays, arts events, and Patchwork celebrations. Additional people visited with the other organizations that use space in our buildings. As part of the community fabric, Patchwork Central changes the lives of those it serves by giving them a sense of hope, a place of acceptance, and a bright outlook for the future. For more information, go to Patchwork Central
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