SAFE (Shelters, Art, Families and Education)
"I thought my son was shy. I didn't know he liked making these sounds and telling stories. Now I know he likes this stuff and it catches his attention. This is good for him, and me. I like spending this kind of time together." SAFE Parent
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In SAFE (Shelters, Art, Families and Education)
In 2007, Making Books Sing commissioned and produced the musical, A Shelter in our Car about a homeless family. Driven by the rising number of homeless families in New York City and nationwide, we felt compelled to help these families alleviate their stress, address their educational needs and find joy.
The result is SAFE: Shelters, Arts, Families and Education with the goals to engage homeless families in the performing, visual and literary arts to make a positive impact on their literacy development, creativity and emotional well-being.
SAFE workshops are designed so parents and children can spend time together reading and making art, music and theater based on the book of the week. This time is so precious for families fighting for basic survival. The families also build community over meals and the shared experience, which helps break down their isolation and build their support system. As well, we strive to create positive associations with learning and reading for both parents and children—both of which are compromised as a result of interrupted educations.
To date, we have had the great honor of working with 150 women and their children residing in four transitional housing units in the Bronx. We are very grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities, the National Endowment for the Arts and Helena Rubinstein Foundation for their seed funding. We are currently working with Partnership for the Homeless to adapt SAFE to families on the margin of homelessness.
Fee
Negotiated with each facility.
To plan SAFE or any education program with our professional staff, contact
jhartman@makingbookssing.org or (212) 573-8791 x246