Artreach, Inc.

Artreach does an amazing job exposing underserved populations to cultural experiences in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

We have been a member organization of Art Reach and the children and families we serve have benefitted from their efforts for several years. Through Art Reach's efforts, we have be able to enhance our own mission by bringing arts-based interventions to vulnerable populations that otherwise might not have opportunities to participate in the formal arts and culture of our city. Their services have enriched our curriculum efforts to bring hope and healing to children through the arts. Our partnership with Art Reach has also increased our ability to recognize and reward the people who work in stressful situations on the front lines of working with homeless and abused children and families. We thank Art Reach for the effective way they "Reach" organizations and individuals through "Art".

I occasionally blog for Art-Reach, and I seriously have nothing but praise for what this organization does in our great city - bringing the arts to people who have been traditionally marginalized in our community, because of disability, race, economic status, etc. I wish I was independently wealthy so I could help fund Art-Reach, and not just humbly volunteer once in a while.

We have been using Art-Reach for about a year and our residents have greatly enjoyed the many opportunities it has provided. Through Art-Reach we have been exposed to so many new experiences and performances in Philadelphia an our local Chester County. Because of the convenience, ease, and low cost of the museums and performances our residents have been able to experience so many more opportunities than they did before we belonged to Art-Reach! The Art-Reach staff is so outstanding and helpful. They are what makes the Art-Reach experience exceed all my expectations!

I found Art-Reach about a year ago and wish that I had found it earlier. As a Special Projects ambassador and writer for "Share the Experience" (the Art-Reach blog), I have had the opportunity to sit in on rehearsals for ASL interpreted performances and to speak with pioneering ballet company creative directors. I leave every interview feeling enriched and grateful to be a part of this organization. Not to mention, the people running it are some of the most warm and genuine I've met.