2008 Annual Report “Get on Board the Rex Caravan!” Has Increase, As the Rex Community of Expanded

Home , Gathering of the Vibes, Jackie Greene, Keith Moseley, Melvin Seals, New Monsoon, Peter Rowan

Furthering a Tradition of Grassroots Giving

2008 Annual Report “Get on board the Rex Caravan!” has increase, as the Rex community of expanded. And coming into more been our rallying cry for several supporters at large has grown. The focus has been the Human Rights years. Many more have taken this Rex Musical Caravan of musicians, Framework, an overarching context to heart in 2008; the buses are roll- bands and festivals, who support for Rex mission areas, with The World ing down the road. Donations to the Rex’s work with their benefit perfor- As It Could Be Human Rights Educa- Rex Community Caravan are on the mances and other initiatives has also tion Project gathering momentum.

Ralph J. Gleason Award Bill Graham Award Jerry Garcia Award In memory of music journalist Ralph J. Gleason, a In memory of pioneering producer and founding Rex In memory of Grateful Dead guitarist and founding Rex major figure in the advancement of music in America in board member Bill Graham, himself a refugee, this award board member Jerry Garcia, this award is designed to the 1960s, whose openness to new music and ideas tran- is for those working to assist children who are victims honor and support individuals and groups that work scended differences between generations and styles. of political oppression and human rights violations. to encourage creativity in young people.

Ali Akbar College of Music The Beat Within All Stars Project (ASP) The mission of the Ali Akbar College The Beat Within provides incarcer- The All Stars Project, San Francisco, of Music is to teach, perform and ated youth the means for self-ex- brings the All Stars “performatory” preserve the classical music of North pression and positive connection approach to inner-city youth devel- India, specifically the Seni Baba Al- with their community through opment to California’s Bay Area. lauddin Gharana (tradition), and to weekly writing and conversation ASP creates outside-of-school educa- offer this great musical legacy to all workshops and weekly publication tional and performing arts activities who wish to learn. The Rex grant of their writing and art. The Beat is for low-income young people, and will go to support the Library and committed to providing aftercare is at the forefront of a new trend in Archive Project, which will house services for ex-detained and at-risk education, known as supplemental the ongoing collection of Ali Akbar youth including job training, men- education, which recognizes outside Khan and his college in order to toring, peer-support, psycho-social of school learning opportunities as make it accessible to students, schol- support services, individual and critical to urban children’s success ars, and music lovers. group mental health counseling. in school and in life. 215 West End Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 275 Ninth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 870 Market Street, Ste 561, San Francisco, CA 94102 www.aacm.org www.thebeatwithin.org www.allstars.org/bayarea.html From The Executive Director

This is the eighth Rex Foundation Annual Report I’ve had the privilege of preparing. What makes this one particularly special for me is to note that in 2008 we crossed a major milestone of having distributed just over $1 million in grants since December Furthering a Tradition of Grassroots Giving 2001, when we launched our renewal efforts, for a total of $8.4 million in grants to more than 1,000 programs over the 25 year history of Rex. This, along with other BOARD OF DIRECTORS accomplishments described both here and in previous years’ reports, reflect the Bob Weir Tim Walther sentiment that we frequently communicated during 2008: Cameron Sears John Scher Founded by the Grateful Dead, Furthered by You! Cliff Palefsky Nick Morgan In each of the last eight years, we have put forward initiatives to raise the funds that Roger McNamee John Leopold enable the Rex Foundation to continue to provide vital seed grants to grassroots pro- Michael Klein grams doing essential work across many different areas, from promoting a healthy Rosalie Howarth Dawn Holliday environment in Alaska to providing healing drum circles in Iraq. As we carry out Mickey Hart these initiatives, we have endeavored to be a vehicle for the musical community, Freddy Hahne Carolyn Garcia and all others who share our Guiding Principles and Values, in order to enjoy kindred Andy Gadiel connections and the satisfaction of making a positive difference. Tim Duncan Stefanie Coyote Barry Caplan In 2008, our 25th anniversary, with the surge in Rex Musical Caravan events that Diane Blagman showcased the desire of so many members of the musical community to carry on Steve Bernstein what the Grateful Dead started, along with the generous support of many contribu- Bill Graham (1984 – d.1991) Jerry Garcia (1984 – d.1995) tors, the wheels of the Rex Foundation Caravan bus covered a lot more ground. As Hal Kant (1982 – d. 2008) you read this message and all that follows, I hope you enjoy seeing yourself as a Advisory board key part of all that we have accomplished so far and all that we continue to strive Bill Walton Sage Scully for going forward. Jon McIntire Larry Brilliant Sandy Sohcot Bernie Bildman John Perry Barlow The World As It Could Be continued from page 3 executive director Sandy Sohcot We are now continuing to work with the same high schools to more fully develop administration Chris Meharg curriculum materials for widespread distribution. Our goal is to have materials that Editorial Alan Trist not only integrate the creative arts in the teaching of the UDHR, but also include a Communications Mary Eisenhart, right-of-passage component to celebrate what the students learn and how they will Kai Filippini, David Large, Casey Lowdermilk, Barbara Saunders be involved as members of the global community to manifest the words of the UDHR. We are hopeful that because of this work, a growing number of people will be actively The Rex Foundation is engaged members of their communities, and that the value of the creative arts as a named after Rex Jackson, vital part of education will gain greater recognition and renewed public funding. a Grateful Dead roadie and later road manager until his untimely death in 1976 Mission Statement The Rex Foundation continues to embody the spirit of generosity and concern that evolved in the cul- how rex works ture of the Deadheads and the Grateful Dead, aiming to help secure a healthy environment, promote The Rex Foundation has no individuality in the arts, provide support to critical and necessary social services, assist others less paid board members. Virtually fortunate than ourselves, protect the rights of indigenous people and ensure their cultural survival, build all of our grant recipients are selected through the personal a stronger community, and educate children and adults everywhere. knowledge and outreach of our Guiding Principles and Values decision makers – as a result, grant requests are not solicited. • We respect traditional wisdom cultures. We have no application forms • We respect individual rights and differences. and no published guidelines. • We are willing to take risks and trust people. Grants are made once or • We help people who are helping others and are trying to make a difference. twice a year, and our report • We help people develop bold new solutions to problems. is published annually. • We benefit the broader community and the broader good. • We practice inclusiveness and open-mindedness. Rex FoundaTIon P.O. Box 29608 • We support organizations committed to grassroots action. San Francisco, CA 94129 • We seek to identify entities doing good work that might otherwise be overlooked. (415) 561-3134 • Our support helps beyond direct funding by boosting the visibility of the recipient’s work. www.rexfoundation.org • We want to be an agent of change, to help leverage greater impact. Federal ID # 68 0033257 • We are non-partisan. Printed on • We promote an active, informed citizenry. Sakura Silk 71# text • The Foundation is an efficient conduit for supporting the community. 100% Post-Consumer Waste • Being part of the Rex Foundation is enjoyable. New Leaf Paper Company • We carry on the best of the spirit of the 60’s to create a more harmonious world.

2 The World As It Could Be – A Rex Foundation Program Takes Hold

What began in 2006 as an effort to raise awareness about the human rights framework, took hold in 2008 as a full- fledged innovative educational program that we now call The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Project, all made possible by the generous contributions of project sponsors. The focus in 2008 was to develop a pilot public school curriculum to integrate the creative arts with the teaching of the Universal Declaration of HumanRights (UDHR). The main ideas behind this effort are: • The UDHR provides an essential framework for ac-

tively engaging in local and global efforts toward the Recital School High Arts Bay East achievement of human dignity for all people, and was unanimously agreed to when signed on December 10, 1948 by all members of the UN; • While the UDHR has been part of standard high school curriculum, it is still unknown to most people; • The creative arts provide a powerful mechanism for teaching the UDHR, as students have the opportunity to think through and then express their learning and interpretation of such concepts as Freedom from Fear or the Right to an Education, through writing, spoken word, song, dance and visual arts. Singers School High Balboa At Balboa High School, where we initiated this project in subsequently worked with what the students created. 2006, the creative arts experts of our project team worked On December 10th, the 60th Anniversary of the signing with Balboa teachers as they taught the UDHR and of UDHR, Balboa students presented a compilation of original songs, poems, video animations, spoken word and musical performance at a full school assembly, to Statement of Revenue and Disbursements and Changes in Net Assets for Year Ending 12/31/08 convey their ideas about human rights and UDHR. Two additional high schools in the Bay Area decided to Operating Revenues Special Events use our materials as a basis for their own initiatives to in- Revenue $ 210,300 tegrate the creative arts in the teaching of the UDHR: Less: Cost of direct benefit to donors (122,547) net Revenue from Special Events 87,753 • At Arroyo High School, in Alameda County, the fresh- Contributions 46,665 man English students within the learning community Merchandise Income 3,246 Interest & other income 6,054 called Future Leaders of Social Justice, studied the UDHR Net assets released from restrictions 91,705 and utilized the visual arts to express their ideas about Total Operating Revenues $ 235,423 human rights. Operating EXPENSES • At East Bay Arts High School, also in Alameda County, Grants $ 135,409 Program-related expenses 86,862 the UDHR was studied as a theme project across differ- Management & General Supporting Services 109,851 ent classes in the school. In January 2009, local middle Fundraising 1,730 school students were invited to a presentation of visual Total Operating Expenses $ 333,852 arts displays, as well as musical, dance and spoken word Net Assets, beginning of year $ 396,891 performances about human rights and the UDHR. In Change in unrestricted net assets: Operating revenues in excess of April 2009, the school presented a weekend of public operating expenses (98,429) performances of vignettes about stopping violence, writ- net change in unrealized gains or losses ten by students as a result of studying the UDHR. on investments 10 Change in unrestricted net assets (98,419) In January 2009, as a result of our project curriculum Increase (decrease) in temporarily restricted assets (51,955) submitted in April 2008, the San Francisco Unified net Assets, end of year $246,517 School District included a learning service project on the UDHR as part of their Ethnic Studies pilot. Continued on page 2 3 REX MUSICAL EVENTS IN 2008

Photos: Susana Millman Rex 25th Anniversary Concert: L to R, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Jackie Greene he events of 2008 showcased the broad support ers enjoy a unique musical experience, and celebrate each that the Rex Foundation continues to enjoy from community’s special qualities. The Balls bring together the music community. Seventeen different bands local host committees who connect with area resources Tparticipated in the Rex Musical Caravan, performed at to help support the event, and to help identify grass- Black Tie-Dye Balls and supported Rex Jams at summer roots programs in the community as potential grantees. festivals. These different initiatives are ways for the Dark Star Orchestra musical community to provide Rex with resources to performed at Black Tie-Dye Balls support music and arts in education and other grass- at the Nokia Theatre in New York on November 29, with roots programs throughout the country. special guest Donna Jean Godchaux- MacKay, and at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on September 27. Rex Musical Caravan Proceeds from the September 27th Ball supported three The Rex Musical Caravan had its second successful year. outstanding programs in the Los Angeles area. Caravan contributions, whether in the form of desig- nated proceeds from musical endeavors or from $1 per R e x F o u n d at i o n at s U m m e r F e s t i va l s ticket sold at concerts, add up quickly to enable the Rex The Caravan went on Festival Tour May through Au- Foundation to carry out its mission, and showcase the gust, with Rex Jams at five of the festivals, Mountain Jam, generosity and talents of the performers. High Sierra, All Good, 10,000 Lakes and Gathering of the Vibes Festivals, generating proceeds totaling $10,709! Dark Star Orchestra Rex Caravan Tour, Boston to Philadelphia, November 8 – December 7 The Rex Jam, initiated in 2007, is a specific performance Blue Turtle Seduction where monies collected during the performance are Human Rights Awareness Tour. contributed to local area music and arts programs. Tea Leaf Green Paradise Rock Club, Boston, November 12 & 13 Las Tortugas Music Festival. The 3rd Annual Las Tor- New Riders of the Purple Sage . tugas Dance of the Dead Music Festival, Evergreen Lodge, Blue Nile nightclub New Orleans, September 30. Groveland, Calif. Halloween weekend, October 30 Donna Jean & The Tricksters Knitting Factory, New York City, February 23 & September 20 – November 2. Many artists performed at this event, RatDog, Gov’t Mule, and Allman Brothers Band including ALO, Tea Leaf Green, Blue Turtle Seduction, Opportunity to offer premium tickets for shows in California, Melvin Seals’ JGB, and many others. New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado from June to August. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in early October, gen- New Monsoon and ALBINO! erously offered the Rex Foundation a visible presence. Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, May 31. Keller Williams R e x ’ s 2 5 t h A n n i v e r s ar y C o n c e rt Grateful Grass featuring Williams, Keith Moseley, & Jeff Austin, – s W e e t M u s ic E v e rywh e r e Fillmore, San Francisco, April 29. Tea Leaf Green with Moonalice, Blue Turtle Seduction, and This celebratory occasion was held at the Grand Ball- Hot Buttered Rum in various combinations, March 1, Fillmore, room of the Regency Center in San Francisco on De- San Francisco; April 18 & 19, Highline Ballroom, New York. cember 13. Peter Rowan brought together family and friends including the Rowan Brothers, Ramblin’ Jack B l ack T i e - D y e B a l l s Elliott, Crucial Reggae with Fully Fullwood & Tony “Black Tie-Dye Ball” is the name for Rex benefits pro- Chin, David Gans, and the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band; duced in different cities in connection with the concerts Michael Kang with Panjea, Jackie Greene, and the Brass of supporting musicians. At each Ball, the Rex support- Mafia also were on the bill. 4 THE REX FOUNDATION’S 2008 GRANT BENEFICIARIES

Hearts of Gold (HoG) of new work and establish itself as instruction. M & M has created real The mission of Hearts of Gold is a community venue for local artists, and substantial change in Philadel- to enhance the lives of New York events and gatherings. phia communities by providing cre- 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 City’s homeless mothers and their 510-865-506 • www.rhythmix.org ative outlets for children and youth, children. HoG is expanding its in- strengthening diverse communities volvement with various New York Family of Woodstock through cooperative arts education City shelters, supporting existing Family of Woodstock provides all and helping to connect families to programs and creating new ones the resources they need. emergency shelter and food pro- 4225 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 based on the needs of each individ- grams in Ulster County, NY for www.myspace.com/musicmentorshipprogram ual shelter. HoG dollars go directly individuals and families. Family HeadCount to those in need, helping them get of Woodstock assists those seeking HeadCount’s mission is to encourage through the day and beyond. Once shelter by providing confidential participation in democracy among families move out of shelters and are and fully accessible crisis interven- music fans through organized voter on their own, HoG continues to pro- tion, prevention and support ser- registration efforts, education and vide them with essentials needed to vices to help address long-standing activities that point young people on sustain productive lives. Funds from issues which have led to their home- a path toward activism. The organi- the Rex grant will be used to support lessness. The Rex grant reflects the zation has three objectives: register the Homework Help Program that proceeds from the Rex Jam at Mt. voters; spread the message about the supports an academic after school Jam and is to be used to establish an importance of voting and the issues environment in the shelter and pro- art and music program to support voting impacts; provide the activ- vides a hot meal for the families. the youth in Family of Woodstock’s 19 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 ists of tomorrow with an organized 212-229-1115 • www.heartsofgold.org homeless shelters. PO Box 3516, Kingston, NY 12402 structure through which they can Nextcourse www.familyofwoodstockinc.org easily make a difference. Nextcourse improves the health of 336 W 49th Street, 1RW, New York, NY 10019 Music & Mentorship www.headcount.org individuals and communities by de- KindTree Productions signing innovative and collaborative The Music & Mentorship Program educational programs that inspire provides unique opportunities for The mission of KindTree is to serve people to purchase, cook and eat community youth and families of and celebrate the autism community healthier, locally produced foods. diverse cultural groups to explore through art, recreation and educa- Nextcourse’s strategy is threefold: and develop their musical creativ- tion. The program sponsors summer to serve youth and low-income com- ity, self-expression, and self-esteem camps and retreats, promoting prob- munities so as to have nutritious through musical appreciation and lem solving through networking foods available to these areas; to strengthen meaningful and lasting partnerships with like-minded organizations, and to inspire and moti- vate people to action to become stew- ards for a better local food system. 1 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123 415-640-3762 • www.nextcourse.org Rhythmix Cultural Works (RCW) Rhythmix Cultural Works is committed to offering a wide range of high quality arts experiences in dance, music, theater, new media, education and cultural exchange opportunities for youth, families and adults in Alameda and the surround- ing East Bay region of California. Through performances, classes and exhibits, RCW seeks to encourage participation in the arts, support artists in the creation and presentation HeadCount

5 mances are supplemented by fund- raisers sponsored by a parent run booster club. The Rex grant reflects the proceeds from the Rex Jam at the All Good Festival and is to be used to further support the music department at University High. 991 Price Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 304-291-9275 • www.uhsband.net American Musical Heritage Foundation The American Musical Heritage Foundation is dedicated to collecting and archiving records and related historical documents and artifacts in order to preserve our rich musical heritage. The AMHF recognizes that records are a vital and endangered component of our cultural history, and that they have captured important moments and trends in culture like no other medium. The AMHF believes that it is important to create an international archive of original analog recordings which can be ac- cessed by everyone. PO Box 66493, Santa Cruz, CA 95067 www.amusher.org

Burlington City Arts Detroit Lakes Public Schools Public Lakes Detroit The Seven Below Arts Initiative is and support groups. Autism Rocks Morgantown High School a partnership between Burlington Art Program has evolved from dis- Music Department City Arts and musician Trey Anas- playing art by people with autism Music programs at Morgantown tasio to foster artistic development in public and art galleries with the High include choir, jazz ensem- and support arts education in the goal to grow the program to provide ble, marching band, orchestra and state of Vermont. Seven Below offers significant income to artists while wind ensemble. Although the mu- artistic residency sessions, to allow developing a sense of accomplish- sic department is funded by the artists both the time and the space ment and community connection Monongalia County School Dis- needed for them to focus on their and awareness. trict, concerts and performances work. Seven Below also offers an 2096 12 Arthur Street, Eugene, OR 97405 www.kindtree.org are supplemented by a parent run educational outreach program, in booster club. The Rex grant reflects which each resident artist leads an Plumas County Save our the proceeds from the Rex Jam at educational activity involving local Schools Program (SOS) the All Good Festival and is to be community members. 149 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401 Plumas S.O.S. is a group of parents, used to further support the music www.burlingtoncityarts.com business owners and concerned citi- department at Morgantown High. 109 Wilson Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26501 Children’s Book Project zens dedicated to maintaining and 304-291-9266 improving the quality of education The mission of the Children’s Book within the Plumas Unified School University High School Project is to help economically dis- Music Department District by securing long-term fund- advantaged children learn to read ing sources for quality public educa- Music programs at University by providing the children and the tion. The Rex grant reflects the pro- High School include jazz ensemble, facilities that serve them with books ceeds from the Rex Jam at High Si- marching band and wind ensemble. and other resources. Since their be- erra Music Festival and is to support Although the music department is ginning in January of 1992, the Chil- existing arts and music programs. funded by the Monongalia County dren’s Book Project has given over 67 Rheinfelder, Portola, CA 96122 School District, concerts and perfor- one million books to hundreds of 6 facilities serving thousands of children in the San Francisco Bay Area. 45 Holly Park Circle, San Francisco, CA 94110 www.childrensbookproject.org

UpBeat Drum Circles UpBeat Drum Circles was begun to help rebuild the spirits of the people in northern Iraq. The Kurdistan Save the Children program is a section of this program that works to ensure a better future for children in Kurd- istan through improving their family, economic, social, psychological, health, education, and housing con- ditions. The Rex grant will support the establishment of ongoing drum circles at all seven Kurdistan Save the Children Youth Activity Centers in northern Iraq, including Suly- mania, Koya, Rania, Kalar, Darbar- dikahan, Khanaqeem, and Kirkuk. PO Box 55245, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91385-0245

www.ubdrumcircles.com Bridgepport School Distrct Music Programs Music Distrct School Bridgepport

Concepts4Charity Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) Eyak Preservation Council (EPC) The mission of Concepts4Charity Sweet Home New Orleans is a col- The foundation of the Eyak Preser- is to engage youth in philanthropy lective of non-profit agencies serving vation Council’s work is the preser- and/or the resolutions to communi- New Orleans musicians, Mardi Gras vation of Copper River Wild Salmon. ty issues through sports and the arts. Indians and Social Aid & Pleasure EPCs goal is to protect wild salmon Their goals are to increase volun- Club members. SHNO is an umbrel- habitat permanently by envisioning teering and philanthropic activities, la organization that integrates the ef- and creating sustainable communi- provide and promote opportunities forts of service providers and music ties in which society, economics, for civic engagement, and to collabo- institutions, to connect musicians and education all reinforce the wild rate with community nonprofits to to an array of services and provide salmon way of life. EPC is not trying promote their mission. direct assistance for housing. to stop progress, but rather, to shape PO Box 3084, Worchester, MA 01613 1201 Saint Phillip St., New Orleans, LA 70116 www.concepts4charity.org www.sweethomeneworleans.org it for maximum community health over centuries. PO Box 460, Cordova, AK 99574 www.redzone.org

International Accountability Project The International Accountability Project (IAP) challenges destructive development projects that uproot and impoverish millions of people across the Global South. Working with grassroots and international partners, IAP advocates for international policies that respect the rights and livelihoods of people threatened by unjust development and supports communities to hold their ground and defend their homes, environment and human rights. 221 Pine St, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104

Voices Together Voices www.accountabilityproject.org

7 Restoring Eden Restoring Eden is a network of young people working to become a grassroots movement for environmental stewardship in the U.S. and abroad.As a parachurchminis- try, Restoring Eden is dedicated to encouraging faithful stewardship of the natural world as a biblical, moral, and wise value. Their work is

divided into three categories: nature appreciation, environmental stew- Theatre of Hearts/Youth First ardship, and public advocacy. PO Box 877, La Center, WA 98629 of race and cultural difference. Pro- ativity. The program offers year-long www.restoringeden.org grams reach children everywhere classes, workshops, and academic Voices Together - in the heart of their neighborhood, enrichment and tutoring that gives Voices Together is a non-profit or- schools, churches, community cen- youth the experience of success and ters and libraries. the self-confidence it inspires. ganization that serves nearly 400 672 S. Lafayette Park Place, Suite 47, Los Angeles, 3000 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404 individuals with developmental CA 90057 • www.theatreofhearts.org www.virginiaavenueproject.org disabilities in the Research Triangle Seeing Peace Bridgeport School District area of North Carolina. Voices To- Richard Kamler, Artist Music Programs gether has developed an innovative Seeing Peace is a visionary inter- The grant was made specifically approach that combines the proven national initiative that seeks to to support the Bridgeport School therapeutic qualities of music, es- bring the imagination - proactively, District Music Programs and was sential speech and communication through the presence of the artist funded through direct contributions and social integration training in - to the table of the General As- from fans collected at the Rex Jam at the structure of a chorus for the sembly of the United Nations. The the Gathering of the Vibes. purpose of bridging the gap be- 45 Lyon Terrace, Room 320 Rex grant is specifically for the tween people with disabilities, their Bridgeport, CT 06604 Seeing Peace Billboard Project that peers, families and communities. Hands for Hope PO Box 16721, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 is an exhibition/community event. www.voicestogether.net The intent is to engage artists from Hands for Hope is dedicated to Detroit Lakes Public Schools South Africa, Iran, Burma, Cuba, US, broadening horizons, developing talents, promoting self-esteem and The grant was made specifically to Iraq, Palestine, Israel and Portugal instilling life-preparation skills by support the instrumental band pro- to create one piece of art reflecting giving a hand of hope to youth and gram in Detroit Lakes Public Schools their unique cultural perspective their families. Programs under the and was funded through direct con- as to what peace looks like on 12 x Hands for Hope umbrella are de- tributions from fans collected at the 25 billboards in San Francisco. The signed to simultaneously uplift the Rex Jam at 10K Lakes Festival. public installation of these culturally PO Box 766, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502 distinct images on centrally located spirit and provide opportunities for 218-847-9271 billboards in San Francisco will press enriching all children. Hands for Theatre of Hearts/Youth First members of the community to reflect Hope programs include exposure Theatre Of Hearts provides fine arts on what peace looks like and to to professions and experiences that programming to under-served, at- challenge their own vision of peace. may not otherwise be known about www.richardkamler.org risk youth throughout Los Angeles by the participating youth. Hands County, and strives to empower lo- The Virginia Avenue Project for Hope also provides a support cal communities through education The Virginia Avenue Project is a free, network to strengthen the single in the arts. The Youth First/Artist- afterschool program that uses the parent family and allow children of In-Residence Program addresses performing arts in conjunction with single parents to thrive. All programs the diverse needs of youth ages 4-18 long-term, one-on-one mentoring to feature original teaching methods by through customized, long-term, help kids discover their full poten- skilled professionals, emphasizing quality, multidisciplinary, standards tial. Through a sequence of writing creativity and self-expression. Indi- based workshops in visual and and performing programs, Virginia vidualized attention will make each encounter rewarding and fun. performing arts. Every program is Avenue Project participants develop P.O. Box 812198, Los Angeles, CA 90081 a model of inclusion, crossing lines life skills and give voice to their cre- www.hands4hope.org 8