Princeton Area Community Foundation awarded The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey a grant to support its dance program.
Greater Mercer Grant Program of the Princeton Area Community Foundation awarded $15,000 for Trenton Education Dance Institute
CHS of NJ is one of twenty organizations to receive funding through the Community Foundation. Grants totaling $506,990 were awarded to local nonprofits for a full-range of community building, program and operating support.
Donna C. Pressma, President and CEO of CHS of NJ, said in a statement these funds would be used for TEDI artistic direction under Dufftin Garcia and other general TEDI program support.
TEDI is currently in its 25th anniversary year.
The program was launched in 1989 with support from the Trenton Board of Education and The Times of Trenton as a National Dance Institute Residency Program in Trenton public schools. NDI programs use professional artists and a combination of dance, performance and curriculum-related educational materials to teach young people life skills, like self-discipline, concentration, cooperation, confidence and pride in personal achievement.
In 2011, TEDI and CHS of NJ combined their strengths to ensure the survival of this program.
Today, the TEDI program is offered to fifth grade students at two Trenton public schools, about 230 students in total. Artistic Director Dufftin Garcia and his team design and lead weekly classes which are integrated into the school curriculum.
Two additional troupes are selected from sixth through 10th grade alumni and fifth grade students who show passion and ability to undertake advanced challenges under the program.
Each year, TEDI culminates with a series of performances for student, faculty and community audiences showcasing the accomplishments of the participants.
CHS of NJ is a nonprofit child and family serving agency whose mission is to save children’s lives and build healthy families. Founded in 1894, the agency prevents abuse and
More information is online at chsofnj.org. and pacf.org.
