ABOUT US
"Kid Street Theatre is about realizing
our similarities as human beings, rather than focusing on
our differences, even if pain is what binds us. It is through
acceptance of each other, and ourselves, that we are truly
set free." --Linda Conklin
Kid Street Theatre (KST) was developed to
provide a holistic approach to helping children without homes
and other at-risk youth, break the cycle of self-depreciation
and poverty.The lives of children who are homeless are riddled
with poverty, chaos and trauma. The vast majority of services
offered to the homeless are not directed toward the support
of these children's very specific emotional, social and educational
needs. KST brings about the opportunity to develop trust from
within the child to empower him/her to believe that they are
special in their own way, that their present situation is
a circumstance beyond their control, not a life style of their
choosing.
Mathematics can show that as the population
continues to increase exponentially so do the problems of
homeless children and youth-at-risk. At KST we serve the local
middle schools, work with the family support center (homeless
shelter), Sonoma State University (our interns come from there),
Innovative Housing (connecting folks with places to live),
the Church of Religious Science (supports us with volunteers),
Hal Musco (donated building), the Volunteer Center and Railroad
Square Merchants Association. KST applies for grants through
private foundations and philanthropic organizations. We also
depend on personal contributions of time, money and materials
from hundreds of people who believe in the purpose and philosophy
of Kid Street Theatre. And of course, we generate funds through
our theatrical productions which involve children, staff and
volunteers. It is our hope that you will join with the efforts
of KST and our community, and show financial support to assist
in healing this epidemic by supporting the children in their
own hard work.
We provide art, dance, music, journal writing,
martial arts, costuming, pottery, set building, drumming,
computer and video activities. Through the vehicle of theatre
we provide a safe environment to teach teamwork, cooperation,
communication skills, conflict management and most importantly,
to build self-esteem. The program is open to all children,
regardless of socio-economic background. Because a child has
an address does not guarantee him/her a healthy home environment,
and our children develop an appreciation for both sets of
circumstances immediately and begin appreciating the opportunities
each lifestyle brings with it. We also provide services for
learning disabled, tutoring services, support for children
of divorce, foster and group home children, as well as providing
meaningful opportunities for retired professionals and non-professionals.
The relationship that develops between the
children, volunteers and staff provides an environment where
these children can open up and try new experiences without
concern for success or failure. The emphasis is on "doing"
not "doing it right." Success is experienced by
all--volunteers and children alike.
KST provides a model for all communities
who are concerned about the deterioration of the healthy "childhood"
and the increase in crime involving children and teens. Presently,
San Francisco, Cloverdale, Kauai, and San Rafael have expressed
interest in opening Kid Street Theatres. San Francisco will
open its doors soon. However, even with all this enthusiasm
and support, we cannot continue to provide services without
the proper funding. Our program in Santa Rosa is run by 2
paid staff, and over 100 volunteers from the community.
KST has recently been acknowledged by the
NEA as a model project for ARTS IN EDUCATION. We are recognized
in the community by its senators, Congress people, Mayor,
Supervisors, University Professors and local school Superintendents.
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