Movin’ right along toward greater opportunity and impact!
Transportation is a barrier to program participation for 81 of our students, out-sizing our current transportation capabilities. With the help of a generous $60,000 matching grant, CultureWorks is purchasing one van to provide our students with safe, reliable, efficient access to life-changing programming. Donate or pledge today to help us meet the match and purchase the second “vehicle to success!”
The Impact:
- Maximized safety, efficiency, and reliability, as we transport over 80 students from 6 public schools (Holland and West Ottawa middle and high schools) each year
- A trusted space for extended, semi-private conversations between staff and students, where students access greater support, mentorship, resources, and connections.
- Opportunities for deeper connection with students, enabling staff to provide meaningful references and recommendations for higher education, scholarships, and job opportunities impacting long-term positive outcomes
- Relief for staff who currently rely on their personal vehicles (or juggle vehicles with other staff members) for transporting students, running errands for work, and transporting equipment and supplies to/from special events and storage
It’s more than a ride…Vans + stinky teens = vulnerability & growth. I cannot explain the magic behind the math, but I suspect it has something to do with after-school weariness, the comfort of a familiar space and friendly faces, and being fellow sojourners in a big world full of possibilities.
Emily Christensen, Executive Director
Background:
We have nearly 15 years of experience transporting kids safely and efficiently to CultureWorks, and over the last 10 years, our board and staff have researched and tested alternative solutions including public transportation, leased vehicles, nonprofit partnerships with shared rides, and staff’s personal vehicles. Acquiring two vans is the best option for meeting current needs in the safest, most cost-effective, and sustainable way.
Looking Ahead:
We’re investing in the most fuel-efficient vans on the market (Toyota Sienna) to maximize economical and environmental sustainability. These economical, hybrid vehicles can safely transport 7 kids from Holland and West Ottawa Public Schools each day. They’ll also be used for special events and workshops, our annual SAC Fall Leadership Retreat, campus visits to creative colleges/universities, transporting supplies and equipment for collaborative workshops and community-wide events, and field trips to galleries, studios, museums, and more.
Our transportation program provides access to opportunities for growth, engagement, and out-of-school-time learning, which impact short and long-term outcomes related to academic success, civic engagement, professional development, and health & well-being. Five CultureWorks alumni who relied on our transportation program are currently studying with full or nearly full-ride scholarships for higher education!
Van rides offer daily opportunities for meaningful connections and conversations outside the classroom. We drive over 1800 miles per year, shuttling kids to class; it’s an enormous investment of time and money, and we’ve seen that it’s worth every minute and every dollar.
The Ask:
- A generous grant of $60,000 from Vanguard Charitable will fund the first of two vehicles, if we can raise the $40k from the community (that’s you!) to fund the second
- We’re looking for
○ 2 captain sponsors at $10,000 each
○ 2 co-pilot sponsors at $5,000 each
○ 5 back seat drivers at $1000 each
○ And 100+ community-wide supporters (pit crew) contributing $5,000 total
Thank you to everyone who’s contributed thus far!
