Artreach, Inc.
Growing up, I did not have alot of expendable income so the idea of attending the arts seemed so impossible to me; luckily as a working HR professional I have overcome that challenge of affording a ticket to enjoy the thrill and beauty of creative expression...however, I wanted to try and help those less fortunate in a similar challenge I had once faced so when I found Art-Reach as a volunteer in 2003 I discovered an amazing organizaiton and solution partner for accessibility challenges faced by diverse audiences in the Delaware Valley. Since starting as an event fundraiser and organizer, I have joined the Board of Directors and proudly participated as well as steered decisions that have positively impacted tens of thousands of individuals as well as enriched my own arts-passionate soul. The staff of Art-Reach, especially the Executive Director Michael Norris, are great examples of commitment and effectiveness with their roles in the organization that today is financially and operationally strong and growing. I encourage anyone interested in ensuring that status remains true to check out www.art-reach.org and explore how you, or someone you know, would be of service or benefit from connecting with this impressive group.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Excellent executive director who understands the importance of and need for quantifiable and qualatative outcomes as it relates to the organization. Small, yet highly competant and innovative staff. Despite the limited size of its staff, Art Reach manages to have a strong impact on the arts community in SE PA, specifically those with physical and mental disabilities and the economically disadvanted. I've been very impressed by the ED's ability to develop partnerships with those inside and outside of the arts community. Many who know Philadelphia are aware that is a provincial, patronage town which impedes its progress. Art Reach and its ED is exactly the type of leader that eludes this city and its many nonprofits.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They are focused, innovative, and always seeking opportunities to exapand the pool of those served by the organization. They are visionaries in a veryprovincial city. The ED is deeply committed to diversity in all forms.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Their impact on such a diverse array of constituenciess from SE PA
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Excellent. Alaways looking for ways to engage the community in their work. Unfortuante that the small staff has such limited resources; however, they exceed so many others with greater budgets and staff in Phila.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
With $1 million they could do so much... I can only imagine how they'd positively impact Phila and its citizens with additional staff and resources.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
This group makes giving back to the community both fun and rewarding; the people that run the organization represent all that is the best non-profit leadership may offer today. When I first volunteered, I was seeking as a busy professional something organized, manageable, and worthwhile to contribute a small bit of spare time and big interest in helping others. How lucky I was to find Art-Reach on the first try...6 years later I have led numerous, impactful fundraising and awareness activites that offered me opportunity to stretch and develop leadership muscles (both my own and others). I highly recommend this group for anyone in corporate America that seeks a viable and vital way to give back to disadvantaged and disabled groups that are in risk of not being touched by the wonderful, inspirational and soothing hand of the arts.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Helping others in dire need of cultural enrichment benefit from the expertise and charitable acts of the business and arts communities as well as growing personally from these experiences...and sharing the contagious joy with new volunteers and donors!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
St. Mary Interparochial Home and School Association has partnered with Art-Reach for over 6 years. Art-Reach has enabled many students and their families to experience art and culture in a time of economic crisis, in a time when we all need to have art, theater and dance in our lives! We have taken advantage of both the ticketing and the in-house artist residency programs. The Art-Reach staff and volunteer force provide excellent service to our school and we value them.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the faces of our parents and children at cultural events and when they tell stories about their outing later.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the efficient, friendly staff, always willing to help. I have benefited by attending shows and concerts with my own children.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic and efficient and friendly.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
open a program just for school children, city-wide.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
We at Mars Hill CDC work with youth from north Philadelphia (9th Lehigh Avenue and 10th and Wallace areas), ages 5 thru 13. We are open to everyone and our group is predominantly African American. Art Reach has been a wonderful partner this year providing many opportunities for our youth to experience arts and culture that they would not have otherwise. The young people had a great time this holiday season attending performances in and around Philadelphia viewing the Nutcracker, Peter Pan and Oliver. Most recently we had a great time at the orchestral performance accompanying the Wizard of Oz. Thank you Art Reach for making the arts available to the youth of the Mars Hill CDC.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
providing exciting cultural and educational opportunities for disadvantabed youth in north Philadelphia.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
provide more accessible informaton about Art Reach in and around the Philadelphia area.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The opportunities have been in the Philadelphia area so our participants have gotten a chance to see different parts of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
energetic and very helpful in making sure that the youth enjoyed the performances.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand the number of activities it was able to sponsor and more youth would have opportnities to experience arts and culture usually unavailable to them.
Ways to make it better...
more organizations servicing inner city youth knew about their program.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
suring up their donor base.
One thing I'd also say is that...
In spite of the economic downturn Art Reach has continued to prvide quality cultural and arts experiences through their programs.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The staff is always helpful! The in-house performances have been outstanding. The ticketing program is a great way to link the arts to individuals and groups that benefit tremendously.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
energetic about the arts and sensitive to the needs of others.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I was matched with Art-Reach about two years ago through a volunteer matching website - looking for something arts-related in the Philadelphia area. All of my interaction with Art-Reach has exceeded my expectations. The staff are exemplary in their dedication to under-served people who need assistance getting connected to the arts. Art-Reach staff are compassionate, resourceful and creative; they are very appreciative of their volunteers. As a Volunteer Ambassador I have been priviledged to serve at many events. I have seen first-hand the impact that cultural experiences have on the attendees. I am humbled and honored to be able to serve. Art-Reach provides a vital, priceless service.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that I have helped people really feel the joy of an arts experience.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
compassionate, professional, and dedicated.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Our organization has been partners with Art-Reach for five years. Through them, the students in the after school program have visited museums and other ticketed events for a reduced price or for free. The students have also come in contact with In-Facility performances from Art-Reach's roster of talented performers. Art-Reach has allowed our students to experience the arts first hand.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
so helpful. They were able to help create events for our students based on our needs.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
offer even more art opportunities to people who might not ordinarily be able to afford it.
Ways to make it better...
if there were more ticketed events during the week for school students.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Art-Reach is one of the greatest agencies that I have partnered with to help our community. They have enriched countless lives by their role in providing exposure to those that othewise may never had had the opportunity to experience the arts. The programming and staff are excellent. Art-Reach deserves any support that you can provide to make sure that they are able to continue their great work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
enhancing exposure to the arts to the needy.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
watching people's lives changed by experiencing various artistic experiences
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world!!!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Art-reach has been the best thing to my job. I have had the oppurnity to get everyone out in the community and see different things they never experienced before. The best thing is the expression on there faces and how wonderful it makes them feel. I have taken people to concerts and shows who have never been to one before. I'm very grateful for being connected to Art-Reach to help me better serve the people I serve. Art-Reach Customer Service is the BEST. This Is A WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION!!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The wonderful people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Do alot more for the unfortunate people that would enjoy what ever was offered.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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