Families Experiencing Homelessness (Project Rise) in Collaboration with First United Methodist Church and the Magical Theatre Company
On April 17th, several families experiencing homelessness were able to experience a special Dinner Theatre Event hosted by Project Rise and First United Methodist Church in Akron. This special event was part of the Project Rise PACT (Performing Arts Can Teach) Program.
Fun activity booklets were passed out to the families that related to the play
The PACT program is just one of several special programs under Project Rise. The PACT program is one of the core programs for Project Rise because it meets the educational, social, and cultural needs of the students and families served.
Mark Reaman of Project Rise helps serve the meal alongside Richard Seegard of FUMC
Project Rise is a collaborative effort by Akron Public Schools, local shelters and the Akron community to provide supplemental educational services to youth experiencing homelessness. During the 2018-2019 school year, close to 2,030 children and youth were identified and served.
The Barberton Magical Theater cast performs Rumpelstiltskin
Attendees of the dinner theatre event enjoyed a wonderful dinner provided by the church and activities provided by several community partners and a performance of Rumpelstiltskin. The lively play was performed by actors from the Magical Theatre Company of Barberton. Attendees also participated in educational arts activities that correlated to the show. The dinner portion of the Dinner Theatre Event was coordinated by Kathi Bastron, Richard Seeger and the team of volunteers at First United Methodist. Tables were set up with decorative floral centerpieces and beautiful place settings.
Children made fun crafts with the Akron Summit Co. Public Library
Before dinner, participants had the opportunity to visit the giveaways table and craft tables. Representative from Akron’s Main Library, Kathy Marten and Sarah Deisler provided special Tall Tale crafts that delighted attendees of all ages. Chuck Bell of Children and Books (CAB) of Akron had a giveaway table in which each child was given a new book!
Project Rise interns from the University of Akron, Jourden (Left) and Jayln (Right) pass out giveaways to the families
The giveaway table was hosted by the Project Rise Spring interns, Jourden, Jayln and Darshawna from the University of Akron. Giveaways consisted of several items that had been donated to the program and included: hygiene products, socks, books, APS tote-bags and special flannel pillowcases that were made by students from North High School.
Chuck Bell from Children and Books (CAB) and his immense collection of books he brought to give away to families
The special Dinner Theatre event was organized by Rachel Breece and Amanda Smith of Project Rise alongside and Kathi Bastron of FUMC. Ms. Breece and Ms. Smith help coordinate the PACT Programming throughout the school year.
Project Rise looks forward to sharing more PACT events with the families and students. Project Rise especially thanks Akron Community Foundation for its generous financial support of the PACT Program. For more information about Project Rise, please contact Rachel Breece at 330-761-2969.
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