10selden (aka The ATC)

Mission

10selden's mission is to (1) provide a creative outlet through music and art, (2) offer after school programs to stimulate creativity, enhance self esteem, and develop social and educational skills, and (3) present multicultural programs to foster appreciation of our increasingly diverse community, (4) develop awareness of community among through involvement in community service projects, (5) develop leadership skills, and (6) provide a safe location for social and recreational activities.

Needs Statement

1) Program funding to increase inclusion of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities 2) More volunteers 3) Marketing expertise 4) Website updates 5) Funding for building improvements and equipment updates.5

Impact Statement

Building Resilience and Community Engagement: 2024 Update Reflecting on 2024 The year 2024 marked a period of continued resilience and growth as we navigated the evolving landscape of community needs. Our steadfast commitment to serving our community guided the evolution of our programs, ensuring they remained relevant and impactful. Celebrating Successes This year, our live music events took center stage, providing an inclusive platform for performers of all backgrounds and skill levels. By creating a stage for everyone, we fostered a vibrant and supportive environment where emerging and seasoned artists alike could share their talents with the community. These events not only showcased the incredible diversity of musical talent in our region but also strengthened the bonds within our community, highlighting the unifying power of music. Empowering Young Artists Our state-of-the-art recording studio remained a cornerstone for nurturing local talent. By providing affordable access to recording original music, podcasts, and audiobooks for the visually impaired, we continued to offer invaluable resources to aspiring artists. This year, our educational initiatives took center stage, with our inner-city S.P.O.T. program collaborating with staff to compose original music, demonstrating our commitment to empowering and inspiring the next generation of creators. Community Involvement and Entrepreneurship Our 'Leos' program, in partnership with the Lions Club, continued to be a vital force in our community service efforts. From assembling holiday baskets for those in need to building connections with seniors in local nursing homes, we wove a tapestry of compassion and care throughout our community. Our Entrepreneurship Program, particularly the Medical Loan Closet, not only provided participants with essential business skills but also served as a critical support system within our community, embodying our mission to uplift and empower. Cultivating Inclusivity Our dedication to inclusivity took a significant step forward with the expansion of our program for LGBTQ+ youth. By teaching circus arts, we aimed to foster self-confidence, positive body image, and social-emotional skills, offering a safe and supportive environment for personal growth and self-discovery. Achieving Our Goals In line with our strategic vision, we achieved our three core goals for 2024. We expanded the reach of our existing programs, amplifying their impact across the community. Our 'Life After High School' program, including the ATC Medical Loan Closet, continued to serve as a blueprint for successful youth development and community support. Additionally, we successfully enhanced our media exposure and marketing capabilities, ensuring that our initiatives reached a broader audience. Looking Ahead As we conclude 2024, we are energized by the resilience and strength of our community and the transformative impact of our programs. With our core values as our guide and the unwavering support of our partners, we look forward to the opportunities and growth that 2025 will bring. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey toward a stronger, more vibrant community. 10selden

CEO statement

Our primary challenge remains the expansion of our programs to better serve our community. With dedicated adult and student Boards, we are actively exploring innovative approaches not only to sustain, but also to enhance our offerings. In the realm of performing arts, we host a variety of weekly events under the banner of Music Live, featuring live performances by bands, acoustic sets, and lively karaoke nights. Our visual arts initiative is experiencing remarkable growth, with regular open studio sessions and engaging paint nights led by our skilled resident artist, providing step-by-step guidance. Participants consistently leave these sessions with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Throughout the week, our community service program convenes for a range of impactful activities. The Amity Leo Club, in particular, has been deeply involved in civic engagements, dedicating themselves to at least one meaningful event per month. Examples include organizing food drives for holiday baskets to support the less fortunate within our community. Moreover, our successful launch of the Medical Loan Closet stands as a testament to our teens' entrepreneurial spirit. This nonprofit endeavor, entirely managed by the teens, has amassed a collection of over 400 gently used medical equipment pieces. To date, more than 300 of these items have been loaned out to community members in need, providing invaluable support. In addition, our teens are actively fostering inclusivity and joy through their sponsorship of bi-monthly dances for students with special needs. Serving as dedicated "buddies" during these events, they ensure that every participant feels welcomed, comfortable, and has a memorable time.

Board Chair Statement

As the Chair of the Board of Directors at 10selden, I am deeply honored to invite you to support our Give Greater fundraising events. Our mission has always been clear: to enable emerging artists and community organizers to grow, flourish, and feel supported in their creative journeys. Over the years, we have built a vibrant and inclusive space where art and community come together in powerful ways. Our impact speaks for itself. We've hosted arts conferences, art shows in our professional gallery, and a wide variety of performing arts events. We host a unique circus program for at-risk youth, offer after-school programs, and host a summer camp that nurtures creativity. Our state-of-the-art recording studio has become a haven for local musicians. Every event, every program, and every interaction at 10selden is a testament to our commitment to the arts and our community. As we look to the future, our goal is to expand the use of our space to reach an even wider community. We want to spread the word that 10selden, with its 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor performance spaces, professional stage with cutting-edge lighting and sound, a fully-equipped recording studio, and a welcoming café, are here for everyone. This space is not just ours—it's yours. We want to see it buzzing with activity, creativity, and community engagement like never before. On a personal note, 10selden has been a part of my life for over a decade. I first got involved when my sons were younger, just beginning to explore their passions for music and visual arts. 10selden was the place that nurtured them, supported them, and helped shape them into the amazing individuals they are today. This community center is more than just a space—it’s a place where lives are transformed. Your support during our fundraising events is crucial. With your help, we can continue to provide a space where art thrives, where youth are empowered, and where community is built. Together, we can ensure that 10selden remains a beacon of creativity and support for all who walk through its doors. Thank you for being a part of our community and for considering a donation to 10selden. Your generosity will help us achieve our vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and creative future. Sincerely, Jack Nork Chair, Board of Directors 10selden

Areas Served Narrative

Our organization serves the Greater New Haven Region. (Or as our constituents call it - the Greater 10selden Region)

CEO statement (optional)

The economic downturn has created many challenges. We are working hard to maintain and enhance our programs under these adverse conditions. Fortunately, we are able to use in-kind donations of goods and services. Also, we have been attending workshops by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. The information provided has assisted us in our fundraising development.