By Rose S. Prinzi
A young child may enjoy pretending to be a ballerina, or even dream of being a ballerina, some day. Children awkwardly twirl and jump, mimicking actions of a ballet dancer seen on TV or at the theater.
Although this is a flittering thought for most, we have many talented, local children whose dreams will come true thanks to the Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. CRYB is the area’s premier school of classical ballet instruction. They offer all levels of formal ballet instruction from Creative Dance and Pre-Ballet for beginners to Advanced Ballet and Pre-Professional Classes.
CRYB believes that every child deserves a chance to dance. Their Scholarship Assistance Program provides access to dance instruction and positive learning experiences to those who otherwise would be unable to afford CRYB tuition.
CRYB recently requested financial support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to expand their Scholarship Assistance Program. Their scholarship program offers students who have the talent, drive and desire the opportunity to realize their goals. The Community Foundation approved that request. With this successful collaboration, the young ballerina, with financial need, is never left with unfulfilled dreams.
CRYB is an example of the Community Foundation “enriching the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region.” Another example is a recent request for assistance emerging from a need, not a dream. YANAA, Inc. is an organization that responded to a growing issue in our county – housing for recovering addicts.
Through compassion and foresight, YANAA, Inc. established two residences in Chautauqua County for individuals in the early stage of chemical addiction recovery.
The Birdie Turner House for women and children was established in 1993. The Les Root House, designated for men, was initiated in 1994. These are the only homes in Chautauqua County established to assist those who are struggling to recover from addiction. YANAA, Inc. requested funding from the Community Foundation to support their over-all operations and support to cover expenses associated with house repairs.
YANNA, Inc. does not solicit, nor receive any public funding. Revenue is generated from the residents benefitting from the housing and care provided. The Community Foundation is proud to partner with this all-volunteer organization.
The Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet and YANAA, Inc. received their grants through the Foundation’s Community Service grant process. Community Service grants are the backbone of the Foundation, as they enable the Board of Directors to address a child’s dream or an emerging community need.Three times a year your community foundation accepts Community Service grant applications from local nonprofit organizations. The deadline dates of submitting grant requests are March 31, June 30, and December 1. To submit Community Service grant applications go to www.chautauquagrants.org and follow the prompts. For more information, call 661-3390.