Dear NECS family,

Reflecting on NEW ERA CREATIVE SPACE’s growth experienced in 2022, we are profoundly grateful for our students, families, artists, partners, staff, and volunteers.

We started 2022, uncertain of where it would lead us, though full of hope. We experienced growing pains as we returned from the pandemic, learned new ways to serve the community, and continued strengthening our relationship with our school district and numerous other organizations. We forged a new partnership with the Peekskill Housing Authority to provide programs at Dunbar Heights. We successfully traveled with nine students on a service and cultural immersion trip to The Gambia, West Africa. Our partnership with SONY resulted in a striking and heartfelt short film about NECS, and students got to participate in an event in NYC hosted by SONY. These are but a few of the highlights of 2022.

Last year, NECS stood at a crossroads, and with generous support from our donating
partners and countless individuals, we stepped boldly into significant expansion. We
nurtured and strengthened relationships which allowed us to expand our staff. We brought on an artist in residence and grew our administrative, program, and development personnel. Our virtual benefit raised an unprecedented $50,000, which was generously matched.

We are now better equipped to serve the community’s children and youth, our most precious treasure. We look forward with great hope as we enter our 10th year, offering creative programs that empower young people to explore their innate capabilities. We are proud of what we have achieved and excited about our outlook for an equally promising future.

Thank you all for an incredible year!
With love and appreciation,