Nonprofit News for April 1, 2021

Huntington Arts Council Awards Grant to Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center The Huntington Arts Council has awarded the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center a grant to support “The Color of Freedom” art show. The show will take place this fall at the Julie Keyes Gallery in Sag Harbor, October 7 through October 11, 2021.

The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center has been offering educational and enrichment programs for underserved children and teens of color for decades. This exhibition, however, will be a bit different as all of the children are working towards a common goal of creating a multi-arts exhibition on a specific theme, “The Color of Freedom.” Six teaching artists are working with the children to create a show celebrating The Center. The show of artworks by after-school children will include paintings, ceramics, textile, sculpture, photography, video and a “Freedom Quilt”.

Led by artist Susan Lazarus-Reimen (painting, sculpture and collage), teachers include Andrea Cote (performing arts, video and photography), Beverly Granger (ceramics), Madolin Archer (painting and drawing), Erin O’Conner (textiles), and Aaron Warkov (photography).

“The Center is grateful for the support of the Huntington Arts Council,” Bonnie Cannon, Executive Director of The Center said in a press release issued this week. “Our teaching artists are such an important part of the opportunities we are able to offer to our children. Exposing children to the arts at an early age inspires and opens eyes to limitless possibilities. It truly enriches and can change lives.”

‘The Color of Freedom” art show is being made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Huntington Arts Council.

Unitarian Universalists Announces Second Outreach Program The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program is bringing some financial assistance to a select group of institutions from one of the five townships of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold plus the Shinnecock Nation for the second year in a row. The UUCSF, based in Bridgehampton, will consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations and national organizations with East End offices. Applications will be evaluated by the Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) who have been appointed by the UUCSF Board.

“Our focus is shifting in our second year,” stated David Holstein, PAC member, “From the immediate dislocations generated by COVID to the populations and needs that have been underserved, excluded and require support.”

This year, grants will be awarded to organizations seeking project support that target one of the following at risk populations: children and families, single mothers and people of color. Project needs should cover one of the following areas: Early Childhood Education; Healing of the Earth; Cultural Education Through Sharing & Exploration and Healthcare Equity. The deadline for application submission is May 28.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member Paul Berman. To apply for a HICO grant visit uucsf.org/hico-overview/. Any questions can be directed to the PAC at pac@uucsf.org.

OLA Offers Crisis Counseling OLA of Eastern Long Island has been chosen to be a local program provider for NY Project Hope, the statewide crisis counseling response to COVID-19. OLA has hired two full teams of crisis counselors (16 counselors) who collectively speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. The crisis counseling team members are trained to help people understand and cope with their reactions and emotions to challenges of COVID-19. Through an emotional support helpline, educational materials, and trusted referrals, NY Project Hope crisis counselors help people do their best to manage the stress, isolation, grief and the many other challenging emotions stemming from the pandemic.

Trained crisis counselors answer the Emotional Support Helpline from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. They also help by offering coping strategies and self-care guidance. Residents of the East End of Long Island can call 631-500-0837 and be assured the call is confidential, anonymous and free.

NY Project Hope also has a website featuring coping tips, resources, and relaxation tips at NYProjectHope.org.

“Receiving the support from East End police departments, who are handing out project HOPE cards to community members in crisis, has been one of the best collaborations during this pandemic” said Minerva Perez, executive director of OLA of Eastern Long Island.

Sag Harbor Partnership Launches Annual Art Sale“Once again, artists have risen to the occasion when it has mattered most,” so says April Gornik.

Under the curatorial leadership of Ms. Gornik, Tripoli Patterson and Dan Rizzie, the Sag Harbor Partnership is hosting its virtual art sale featuring well-known artists and emerging talent. This incredible collection of works of local artists commemorates the 175th Anniversary of Sag Harbor Village.

“Sag Harbor has been home to a remarkable body of artists for decades,” said Mr. Rizzie in a press release. “This event gives us all a chance to celebrate and give back to the place we call home.”

The proceeds from the online auction will be split between the artists and the nonprofit.

“These have been challenging times for our entire community. In 2020, the Partnership sponsored $100,000 of community relief to organizations, meeting urgent needs like food insecurity, childcare, and mental and physical healthcare. We continue grant support in 2021, as well as supporting the development of Steinbeck Park, Main Street businesses and the protection of our precious waters” said Molly Bishop, the Executive Director of the Sag Harbor Partnership.

Ms. Gornik and Mr. Rizzie are well-known local artists. Mr. Patterson grew up in Sag Harbor and is now a gallery owner on the East End.

The Sag Harbor Partnership’s work focuses on preserving the incredible natural and built environments that have drawn people here for generations, serving as the perfect source of inspiration for exquisite art.

Visit the Sag Harbor Partnership’s Virtual Art Sale to help support local artists and the needs of the community at sagharborpartnership.org/artsale.