The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) received a grant from the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust (RCHCET) for $15,000 to support youth arts programs in 2021-2022. ACAC’s Programs for Youth include summer camps, after-school programs, and family classes that serve children from pre-school through high school throughout the calendar year. These programs benefit area children and their families by providing high-quality educational arts programs in a safe, positive, and supportive environment. RCHCET was a vision of Adams County resident and fruit broker Robert C. Hoffman, who was devoted to the promotion of social welfare and lessening the burdens of government. The Trust offers grants twice a year to nonprofits that benefit residents of Adams County, PA.
“The past year has demonstrated the value of creative outlets for connection and has taught us all to deeply appreciate real-time, in-person experiences,” says ACAC Outreach Coordinator Lisa Cadigan. “Support from the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust has been critical in helping us adapt in challenging times so we can continue to serve the most vulnerable populations in our community,” added ACAC Executive Director Leona Rega. With in-person experiences possible this year, ACAC is pleased to have already enrolled more than twice as many campers for the 2021 season as compared to the summer of 2020, which suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ACAC is offering 54 public camps for children of all ages in a variety of disciplines including music, pottery, weaving, drawing, creative writing, photography, culinary arts, and more. Plans are also underway for several after-school programs in the fall and spring, including a chamber music festival, Music Together® classes, and a new iteration of ACAC’s popular Eat Smart, Play Hard program called the Kids’ Dinner Club.
Funds from RCHCET will support materials and contracted instructors for ACAC’s youth programs in 2021 and 2022, allowing ACAC to provide scholarships to children from low-to-moderate income households. “We are carrying out the legacy of Bob Hoffman, who throughout his life was quick to support positive activities for kids,” said Steve Rasmussen, Chair of the Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust Advisory Committee. As of the writing of this release, 42% of enrolled summer campers will participate thanks to the availability of scholarship funds. ACAC aims to support at least 40% of after-school program students with scholarships as well.
For more information about outreach programs at the Adams County Arts Council, contact Lisa Cadigan at lcadigan@adamsarts.org visit www.adamsarts.org or call (717) 334-5006.