Every child needs a moment, a milestone that they can call their own. Performing a poem, song or dance number can be the equivalent to a young athlete scoring a touchdown or hitting a jump shot. Such moments build confidence, self-esteem, and identity, forging a pathway towards future success. The lack of arts funding in schools and community-based organizations is depriving many Bronx youth of these high points. Of the 1,295 arts and culture organizations in NYC, only 6% are based in the Bronx, according to New York Community Trust. Serving thousands of Bronx youth and families annually, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC)Â sustains and increase access to arts programming in poetry for up to 25 typically developing youth in our Teen Center, while providing increased access to music therapy and movement to 35 youth with autism and Down syndrome ages 5-21.
