Introduction
The House of Storge is a Family and Community Resource Center dedicated to building healthy families and vibrant communities. We strive to bridge the gap across ages, races, and economic boundaries through the transformative power of the arts and education.
Team
Rachelle Douglas-Data and Assessment Director, Tina Ivory-Fundraising Coordinator, Robin Ward-Afterschool Program Director, Marceline Adams-Taggart-Choral Program Director, Vernell Glasper-Band Program Director, Donald Douglas-CEO/CFO.
Problem
St. Clair County is at a crossroads, and our at-risk youth are paying the price. The county currently lacks comprehensive afterschool programs that integrate performing and fine arts—a devastating gap that threatens the future of our most vulnerable children. Nationwide, impoverished communities like St. Clair have been forced to make drastic cuts, reducing or eliminating arts programs. Here in St. Clair, we've seen programs shrink to basic music classes, leaving students without meaningful opportunities for creative and personal growth.
The numbers tell a stark story: Studies show that students who participate in arts education are **four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement** and **three times more likely to have improved school attendance.** Yet, in our underfunded communities, these critical programs are the first to be cut. More than **1.3 million U.S. students** in low-income areas are denied access to the arts, and the situation in St. Clair mirrors this alarming trend.
This isn't just a loss of extracurricular activities—it's a loss of hope and potential. Research shows that at-risk youth who engage in after-school arts programs are 50% less likely to drop out and 60% more likely to attend college. These programs are lifelines, offering our children not just creative expression, but pathways to success, leadership, and opportunity.
We urgently need bold investors who believe in the power of the arts to transform lives. By partnering with us, you can help restore and expand these vital programs in St. Clair County. Together, we can rewrite the future for our children—giving them not only a voice but the confidence and skills to build brighter tomorrows. The time to act is now. Will you join us?
Solution
Program Overview:
The afterschool program will provide a safe, nurturing environment where students can receive academic support while exploring their creativity through the visual and performing arts.
Key Components:
1. Tutoring:
- Individualized academic support in core subjects, including math, reading, and science.
- Homework assistance and study skills development to enhance learning outcomes.
- Small group sessions that foster collaboration and peer learning.
2. Visual Arts:
- Hands-on workshops in painting, drawing, sculpture, and other mediums.
- Opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and build confidence.
- Exhibitions to showcase students’ artwork, promoting a sense of achievement.
3. Performing Arts:
- Classes in theater, music, and dance to encourage self-expression and teamwork.
- Performances and showcases to build public speaking skills and confidence.
- Exposure to various cultural art forms, fostering appreciation and diversity.
4. Enrichment Activities:
- Integrating arts with academic subjects to enhance learning (e.g., using drama to improve literacy).
- Guest artists and educators provide workshops and inspiration.
5. Community Engagement:
- Collaborations with local artists and organizations to enrich the program.
- Family involvement through events and showcases, strengthening community ties.
Goals:
- To provide academic support that helps improve students’ grades and confidence.
- To offer creative outlets that promote emotional well-being and self-expression.
- To create a supportive community where students can thrive both academically and artistically.
Business Model
To ensure the sustainability of our afterschool program and provide enriching experiences for the children we serve, The House of Storge’ will generate funding through a multi-faceted approach that taps into various revenue streams.
1. **Fundraisers**: We will host community-driven fundraising events such as benefit dinners, silent auctions, and family-friendly activities, creating opportunities for donors to engage while raising essential funds. These events not only bring in financial support but also raise awareness about our mission, building a network of long-term supporters.
2. **Low-Cost Tuition**: While we aim to make our afterschool program accessible to as many families as possible, we will offer affordable tuition rates. This ensures that families who can contribute do so, while keeping the program affordable for those who need it most. The low-cost tuition model allows us to offset a portion of our operational costs without placing an undue burden on families.
3. **Camp Fees**: Our afterschool program will also offer seasonal camps during school breaks. These camps will provide enriching experiences, such as STEM, arts, and sports activities. Fees collected from camp participation will supplement the income needed to run our program year-round.
4. **Sponsorships**: We will partner with local businesses and community organizations to secure sponsorships. In exchange for financial support, we will offer visibility and recognition to these partners at our events, on our website, and through social media. Sponsorships provide a steady and impactful source of revenue while strengthening community ties.
5. **Special Monthly Donors**: To ensure long-term financial stability, we will cultivate a group of dedicated monthly donors. These recurring contributions provide a reliable income stream that helps us plan for the future and cover ongoing expenses, such as program supplies, staff salaries, and facility costs.
By diversifying our funding sources through these strategies, we will create a sustainable financial foundation that allows our afterschool program to thrive, providing at-risk children with a safe, supportive, and enriching environment to grow and learn.
Competition
Based on available research, St. Clair County in Illinois has a variety of afterschool programs, but there is limited competition specifically focused on fine and performing arts. Most programs in the area tend to emphasize general academic support and enrichment, such as those funded by grants from the Illinois State Board of Education, which aim to improve academic outcomes and support working families. However, there is no direct mention of a strong presence of fine arts-focused afterschool programs in the region.
The county does offer several enrichment activities through broader educational organizations, like the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education. This office runs initiatives like the "Young Authors" program, which suggests some level of focus on creative enrichment, but again, not specifically in visual or fine arts. In terms of competition from public schools, while general afterschool care is available, few seem to center on the arts. (Illinois State Board of Education)(SCCROE).
This indicates an opportunity for our 501c3 to carve out a niche, particularly when our program focuses heavily on visual and fine arts for students and academics, offering a specialized alternative to existing programs.
Vision
The House of Storge' can dominate the afterschool market in St. Clair County by positioning itself as the *go-to* provider for visual and performing arts coupled with tutoring, tapping into unmet needs in the region. Here's how:
1. Filling a Critical Gap
There are no widely known afterschool programs in St. Clair County specifically dedicated to fine and performing arts, based on current research. Existing programs mostly focus on general academic support(SCCROE)(K12 Academics). By specializing in the arts, The House of Storge' will offer a unique service that caters to students' creative development, setting itself apart from competitors.
2. Combining Arts and Academic Support
While many afterschool programs emphasize either arts or academics, The House of Storge' will offer a hybrid approach—combining visual and performing arts with academic tutoring. This dual focus allows parents to choose a program that not only enriches their child’s creativity but also helps improve school performance. This comprehensive offering will attract a broader demographic of parents who want both creative and academic success for their children.
3. Partnering with Local Schools and Organizations
Establishing partnerships with local schools, the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education, and community organizations will help The House of Storge' build credibility and access a ready audience of families. Partnering with schools and art institutions can also create opportunities for joint events, exhibitions, and performances, reinforcing the organization’s visibility and community prese【12†source】.
4. Leveraging Sponsorships and Grants
Since there is a gap in the market for arts-based afterschool programs, The House of Storge' can leverage grants aimed at arts education and youth development. By securing local sponsorships and funding from state arts councils, it can expand its offerings and provide more affordable access to the community, making it the premier arts-focused afterschool program in the county.
5. Building a Niche Brand
The key to long-term success is developing a strong brand identity centered around high-quality arts and academic programs. The House of Storge' can position itself as an expert in youth arts education, offering specialized workshops, performances, and art showcases that draw both students and parents who value creative expression.
By focusing on these strategies, The House of Storge' can create a lasting impact and effectively own the market for arts-based afterschool programs in St. Clair County, where there is currently little competition.
Funding Ask
The House of Storge needs $500,000. Here is a breakdown of how it will be allocated for an afterschool visual and performing arts/tutoring program serving 60 K-8 students with a staff of 10. This breakdown ensures the program covers operational needs, staffing, supplies, and sustainability over a year.
1. Staffing Costs -$300,000**
Since staffing is critical to the success of any afterschool program, a large portion of the funding will go towards compensating qualified teachers, tutors, and support staff. The staff includes:
Program Director (1): $85,000 – Responsible for overall management and administration of the program.
Teaching Artists (Visual and Performing Arts) (4): $40,000 each – Specialists in arts education (visual, music, drama) leading workshops and activities.
Tutors (Academic Focus) (3): $35,000 each – Provide tutoring in core subjects such as math, reading, and science.
Program Assistants (1): $25,000 each – Support the teaching artists and tutors in managing activities, student behavior, and program logistics.
Counselor/Mentor (1): $40,000 – Provide emotional and social support for at-risk students, helping to address behavioral or emotional challenges.
Administrative Support (1): $30,000 – Handles administrative tasks like communications, enrollment, scheduling, and supplies.
Total: $300,000 for 10 staff members.
2. Program Supplies and Equipment - $70,000
To run a successful visual and performing arts program, high-quality supplies are necessary:
Art Supplies: $20,000 – Painting supplies, drawing materials, sculpting tools, craft kits, etc.
Music and Performing Arts Equipment: $25,000 – Instruments (pianos, drums, guitars, etc.), microphones, costumes, props, and stage equipment for performing arts classes.
Educational Materials: $15,000 – Books, workbooks, tutoring software, educational games, and tools for tutoring sessions.
Technology: $10,000 – Computers, projectors, and interactive software that support both arts instruction and tutoring.
3. Facility Costs - $50,000
The program will require a safe, accessible facility for classes and performances:
Rent and Utilities: $40,000 – Includes rent for a space large enough to accommodate classrooms for tutoring, studios for arts instruction, and an area for performances.
Maintenance and Cleaning: $10,000 – Regular cleaning services and maintenance of the space to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students and staff.
4. Transportation -$30,000
To ensure accessibility for students who may lack transportation, a portion of the budget will be allocated to:
Bus Rentals/Van Leasing: $25,000 – To transport students from their schools to the afterschool program and back home.
Fuel and Maintenance: $5,000 – To cover operating costs for the transportation vehicles.
5. Snacks and Meals -$20,000
Providing snacks or light meals is important for students, particularly those from low-income families, who may rely on the program for sustenance during afterschool hours.
Healthy Snacks and Meals: $20,000 – Includes costs for fresh, nutritious snacks and simple meals to be served during the program.
6. Professional Development and Training - $20,000
Investing in continuous professional development for staff ensures that the program maintains high-quality instruction: Training Workshops – Ongoing professional development for teaching artists and tutors in the latest teaching strategies, arts integration, and trauma-informed care for at-risk youth.
7. Marketing, Outreach, and Recruitment - $10,000
To reach and recruit the families of at-risk students, the program will need a marketing and outreach strategy.
Marketing Materials: $5,000 – Includes flyers, brochures, and online advertising.
Community Outreach Events: $5,000 – Costs for events to raise awareness about the program and recruit students.
8. Contingency Fund - $10,000
A small portion of the budget should be reserved for unexpected expenses or program enhancements:
Miscellaneous and Emergency Costs: $10,000 – For unplanned expenses such as equipment repairs, additional supplies, or special events.
Total: $500,000
This breakdown ensures that all key aspects of the program are well-funded, from staffing and supplies to facility and transportation costs. The program would be positioned for success, offering a comprehensive arts and tutoring experience that supports both the creative and academic growth of the 60 students it serves.
Projections
Winning for the House of Storge’, if granted funding for its visual and performing arts/tutoring afterschool program for at-risk youth (ages 7-14), looks like a transformative impact on the lives of both the children served and the broader community. Here’s a vision of what success would entail:
1. Empowered Youth with Holistic Development
The at-risk youth in the program will gain access to a safe, enriching environment where they can express their creativity through the arts while also receiving academic support. Success would mean these students show improvement not only in their creative skills (e.g., in visual arts, music, and drama) but also in academic performance through targeted tutoring. They would build confidence, social skills, and emotional resilience—becoming more equipped to face challenges inside and outside of the classroom.
2. Positive Academic and Behavioral Outcomes
Winning means that the program helps students improve their grades, school attendance, and engagement with their education. Tutoring will address academic gaps, while creative outlets foster a love for learning. Additionally, positive behavior would be nurtured through consistent mentorship and structured activities, leading to a reduction in behavioral issues and an increase in emotional well-being.
3. Community Recognition and Partnerships
A fully funded program would allow The House of Storge’ to be recognized as a leader in youth arts and education in St. Clair County. Building strong partnerships with local schools, parents, and community organizations will enhance the program's reach and reputation. Success would look like having waiting lists for enrollment, consistent participation in community arts events, and recognition for making a positive impact on at-risk youth.
4. Sustainable Growth and Expansion
Long-term sustainability is crucial for success. Winning would mean the program not only runs effectively with the granted funding but also generates additional support through sponsorships, grants, and monthly donors. Expansion to serve more youth across different areas of the county or even replicate the model in neighboring regions would represent a milestone achievement.
5. Visible Outcomes and Student Success Stories
The true measure of success would be in the stories of individual students who excel academically, discover talents in the arts, and thrive in high school, college, or professional fields. Showcasing these success stories through student exhibitions, performances, or progress reports will inspire continued investment in the program.
In closing, the House Of Storge’ intends to make a measurable, lasting difference in the lives of at-risk youth by empowering them through arts and academics, creating a ripple effect that strengthens both the individual children and the community.