With a mission to shine a light on the profound power of play, Sunflower Creative Arts provides opportunities for children to use their imaginations through hands-on learning experiences that improve communication, critical thinking and collaboration. At community-based locations in Palm Beach County, the Build & Play initiative encourages creativity, independence and child-directed fun using recycled resources and basic supplies.
"You wouldn’t think children could have a blast playing with materials that are usually overlooked, such as boxes, egg cartons and tape!" said Mya-Amelie, play counselor at Sunflower and senior at Atlantic Community High School.
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Fantasy Theatre Factory's Bringing Books to Children introduces pre-kindergarten and elementary school students to the joys of reading through live performances and take-home books.
When asked for his thoughts about the current school year, Executive Director Larry Fields said, "Bringing Books to Children has always been a very impactful program for our early learners in Broward County, however, this year has taken on even more significance in the wake of the pandemic. With every smile and laugh, with every eagerly raised hand in the workshops after the show, and with every child lighting up as they receive their very own book, we see the immense value of this program to our children."
The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) provides teens and young adults at the Youth Crisis Center and Department of Juvenile Justice in Duval County with artistic outlets that promote reflection, growth and healing. In addition to drawing and painting techniques, CAP teaches positive communication, social skills and self-expression.
"Research shows that the act of making art is good for the brain because it decreases stress levels and increases focus," said CAP Teaching Artist Jacqueline Cason. "Each child has challenges of some kind that have disrupted their sense of normalcy. We want them to see that their struggles do not define them."
The Jim Moran Foundation closed out 2022 having awarded more than $25 million in grants. Nearly $2.5 million has been funded so far this year. If your organization would like to apply for a grant in 2023, please first read our Grant Making Guidelines for information about our current funding focuses and application process.
Learn more about Jim Moran's legacy and The Foundation's nonprofit partners in our latest edition of Giving Back released in December 2022.
