In the majestic land of Massachusetts, known to the locals as MA, there's a curious crew of imaginative kids, buzzing with creative energy. It's rumored that a splash of magic from the legendary Beacon Hill unicorn’s horn mixed with the salty air of Cape Cod turns ordinary children into extraordinary artists. Meet our dynamic gang of Visual Arts virtuosos, led by the ever-whimsical, paintbrush-sword-wielding captain, Doodle McSmear. This group of MA moppets aren't your everyday kids - they're creative wizards, just like you! They see not just a pumpkin, but the canvas for an award-winning, ear-to-ear grinning Jack-o'-lantern. They see not just a pile of snow, but the fortress of a snow queen or the lair of a frosty dragon. Doodle McSmear, with his paint-splattered cape and rainbow beret, is a sight to behold. His hair, always pointing in all directions, is streaked with vibrant hues from a freak accident involving a kaleidoscope and a paint can. But, as Doodle would say, there’s no such thing as accidents in art, only happy surprises! These MA kids turn every day into an artistic adventure, from painting murals on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, sculpting masterpieces from Berkshire’s clay, to tracing constellations on sheets of paper under the starlit Boston sky. They believe that art isn't just about pretty pictures; it's a way of life, a language that speaks to the heart. So, come on over to MA, grab your paintbrush, crayon, or whatever magic tool you have, and join Doodle and the gang. Let's create, let's laugh, and let's add more color to the world!
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Holyoke, MA
What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
For over fifty years, the mission of HCS Head Start Inc. has been to provide high-quality early childhood education services to children and families in communities throughout Western Massachusetts. Our programs are designed to promote school readiness, enhance social and cognitive development, and provide comprehensive health, nutritional, and social services to children from birth to age five. We strive to ensure that all of our students have access to the same educational opportunities and resources, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income. Our dedicated staff works hard to ensure that our programs are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of each community we serve. Since 1965, HCS Head Start Inc. has been providing comprehensive early education services to children and families in the towns and cities of Western Massachusetts. Our programs are designed to ensure that all students have equitable access to the same educational resources, regardless of their background. We serve Brimfield, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Granby (Shared with Community Action), Hampden, Holland, Holyoke, Indian Orchard, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, South Hadley (Shared with Community Action), Springfield, Three Rivers, Wales, and Wilbraham. Our mission is to promote school readiness, enhance social and cognitive development, and provide comprehensive health, nutritional, and social services to children from birth to age five. Our staff is committed to creating a culturally sensitive and responsive learning environment for each of the communities we serve. We strive to ensure that all students have access to the same educational opportunities and resources, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income.
The War on Poverty announced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s has had a lasting impact on communities throughout the country. One such example is the Valley Opportunity Council (VOC), a Massachusetts-based Community Action Agency that was founded in 1965. Originally named the Community and Regional Opportunity Program, VOC was dedicated to community outreach, a mission that has endured to this day. However, VOC has grown significantly since its inception. Now, VOC offers over 30 programs in a variety of areas, including food and nutrition, energy assistance, education and child care, youth and adult programs, and community outreach. VOC is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in the state and continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need.
Families across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut have been given a chance to write their own life story, thanks to the hard work of three young activists in the 1960s. Bill Seretta, Kathy Townsend, and Art Bertrand founded CHD with the goal of bringing life-saving services to homes, schools, workplaces, and community centers, instead of sending people away for help. The introduction of community-based care revolutionized the system and provided more than 80 programs and services to help people struggling with hunger, homelessness, and healthcare needs. CHD has been fighting for families for nearly 50 years and they continue to work hard every day to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. CHD doesn’t back down in the face of adversity. They strive to find solutions to the toughest problems and they never give up. With their hard work and dedication, CHD has been able to give hope to thousands of families across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Thanks to their efforts, everyone now has the chance to write their own life story.