In November 2001, the young people in our programs were visited by a panel of artists from the Jumpstart program. The group included a poet, an art educator and the owner of a design business. They talked about how they became involved in the arts and the possible career options in the arts. Following that evening and the interest from our young people Jumpstart secured the funding to produce three arts workshops with our teenagers.

The first workshop took place in May 2002 and involved the participants in creating self-portraits which were printed on to a product of their choice e.g. tee shirt, tote bag, etc.

Jumpstart LLC brings the arts to children between the ages of 3 and 18, specializing in those at risk. While many of their clientele enjoy normal childhood pleasures, others face abuse, hunger, homelessness or economic distress. By engaging skills and compassionate teaching artists to lead dynamic programs, Jumpstart boosts the confidence, cognition, and community spirit of the children they serve.

Jumpstart consults with schools and school districts, social service agencies, childcare centers, health care providers and museums. They provide an array of services:

• Program Design and Management (workshops, performances and residencies for children, family arts adventures, staff training and development, special events)
• Project-Based Fundraising, Marketing and Public relations
• Stategic planning to integrate the arts for long-term client and organization success