COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 25, 2024
Local organizations receive Mass Cultural Council YouthReach grants
Grants go toward creative youth development programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences
(BOSTON—9/25/2024) Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) is pleased to announce that the Mass Cultural Council has awarded two YouthReach grants, each worth $22,000, to local organizations in the 2nd Essex District—YMCA of the North Shore and Express Yourself—to support youth-driven arts programs.
The YMCA of the North Shore will use its grant for the VIBE Creative Arts afterschool program at the Salem YMCA. VIBE offers a safe, supportive space for youth to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop teamwork in an inclusive environment where they can be themselves.
Express Yourself is based in Beverly and will use its funding for the Year Long Immersion in the Arts program, which brings together young people from the community and the Department of Mental Health to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse arts program that brings 17 isolated communities together to perform at the Citi Wang Theater.
“The YouthReach program is a shining example of how the arts can enrich the lives of our young people,” said Senator Lovely. “I’m proud to see these two organizations recognized for their work fostering creativity and inclusion.”
YouthReach supports innovative, youth-focused programs that integrate arts, humanities, and sciences with a focus on social justice and collaboration between cultural organizations and nonprofits.
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