Monmouth Arts has been selected as one of four organizations to receive the 2021 Impact 100 Jersey Coast grant.
The grant of $107,500 will support a new arts and wellness program, Creative Expressions, a countywide initiative that uses the arts to address the rise in mental health issues in area youths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release from Monmouth Arts, which is based in Red Bank.
The program’s focus is on under-served communities with the goal of reaching 2,000 children and teenagers. Local artists and mental health professionals will align with Monmouth County organizations, treatment centers, wellness programs, schools and institutions to deliver a range of free art experiences.
With Creative Expressions, Monmouth Arts is taking the healing power of the arts to the next level, expanding its arts programming to include a focus on mental health, according to the press release.
“We are so excited to bring this program to the youth in our community,” said Teresa Staub, Monmouth Arts executive director. “Many children suffering from mental health issues are not receiving treatment due to barriers such as cost and accessibility.
“This new program will begin to take down those barriers. Thank you to all the Impact 100 members for their generosity and support. We look forward to updating the community on the program and its impact,” Staub said.
The mission of Impact 100 is to award membership-funded transformational grants to local nonprofit organizations while empowering women to improve lives through philanthropy, according to the press release.
Since its founding in 2015, the organization has awarded more than $2 million to 18 local nonprofits. Learn more about Impact 100 Jersey Coast, its members and mission at www.impact100jerseycoast.org
Monmouth Arts is an independent 501c(3) arts advocacy organization that delivers needed programs and services to artists, member organizations, and arts affiliates to ensure the arts thrive in and throughout Monmouth County, according to the press release.
As Monmouth County’s official county arts agency, its mission is to enrich the community by inspiring and fostering the arts.
Monmouth Arts’ programs are made possible in part through funding from the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. For more information about Monmouth Arts, call 732-212-1890 or visit www.monmoutharts.org