By Regina McConnell
East Madison Community Center
The East Madison Community Center (EMCC) Youth Education Camp continues to provide full-time education programming during the week. Students receive assistance with virtual education and “Zooms,” as one child calls it. The children are truly survivors and doing their best to complete their studies in this unusual time. The amazing youth program staff, interns and volunteers have put their hearts and souls into this program to support the children and families.
A new partner, Community2Canvas, has brought new life into the center through art. Children and adults are able to create paintings that tell a story about their lives or current situations. With the assistance of this program, the artwork is sold online, and the proceeds go to the artist to help them achieve a personal goal. Artists can also designate proceeds to go to an organization. Go to community2canvas.org to view the artwork; perhaps you’ll find a new piece created by an EMCC artist that will fit nicely in your home.
EMCC also hosts an Open Art Studio. A variety of supplies are made available for participants to dive into art experiences of their choosing. In February participants were able to paint with acrylic paints, watercolors and metal stamping pieces for a keychain.
A new service available at EMCC is free consultation with the Law Assistance Center. By appointment, one can receive guidance in procedural matters for court hearings and filings.
Surviving this past year has brought many challenges with technology and staying connected to loved ones, co-workers and life in general. With grant support from the Public Service Commission, EMCC’s Digital Access Program is now offering digital literacy classes, starting with Introduction to Computers, Internet 101 and Introduction to Email. Contact EMCC at 608-249-0861 for course details and to reserve a seat.
As we all welcome the fresh air and sunshine, we are thinking about the garden season starting soon. Volunteers will be needed to get the children’s garden ready. Green thumbs are not required.