New Haven, May 2014 -- The International Association of New Haven is pleased to announce the 2014 awards for programs that enhance and promote cultural understanding in our diverse community. The amount of $60,000 was evenly divided between three outstanding organizations in the New Haven area:
IRIS, Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, was awarded $20,000 for funding of a new project, "Public Education about Refugees" (PEAR) that will target schools and universities in the area. "A great day for international education in New Haven!" exclaimed IRIS' director Chris George, upon hearing about the award. The funds will be used to develop both educational resource materials about refugees for use in the schools and a strategic outreach plan to key community groups. The International Association of New Haven has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with IRIS; providing support of this new project with a substantial award will contribute to enhancing cultural understanding in the New Haven community.
The Connecticut Children's Museum on Wall Street in New Haven will receive $20,000 to establish an educational field trip series that will feature unique, internationally-themed cultural experiences for young children from under-resourced communities. The Museum's mission is to provide children and their communities with innovative educational programs. The International Association of New Haven is pleased to support its efforts. "Thank you one and all! We are very excited to open a new and innovative chapter here with 'Around the World at the Connecticut Children's Museum'", says Director Sandra Malmquist.
And last but not least, $20,000 will be awarded to P.L.A.C.E., Partnerships in Learning & Creative Exploration, Inc., in Hamden for their “P.L.A.C.E. on the Go!” project. This is an exciting and innovative mobile art program that is slated to reach hundreds of children in the form of a retro-fitted school bus that will provide multicultural arts programs and will include art work stations and a small gallery area. The award from the International Association of New Haven confirms its mission to bring not only the arts but multicultural education to children in our communities. "We appreciate the support from IANH", said P.L.A.C.E.'s Executive Director, Debbie Chavoya.
For more information about the International Association of New Haven's grant giving programs, please visit www.ianewhaven.org