April 2025 Update
The Creative Reuse Marketplace (CRM) is in the completion stage of developing an art-based social-emotional learning program for alternative schools. The core focus of this program is to use everyday items, reused craft and art supplies, and the basic teachings of art to help students address and practice self-awareness and expression. Both self-awareness and expression are the building blocks for developing strong social and emotional skills and strategies to manage feelings, build healthy relationships, and overcome personal challenges. So far, the program has devoted over 40 hours outside the classroom for development, 24 hours of hands-on instruction inside the classroom, and has worked with over 30 students, ranging from middle to high school. Some projects created during the program have included upcycled CDs, vision board collages, outdoor stepping stone mosaics, and dream catchers.
The program is supported in part by a RESTORE THE CORE micro-grant from the Smith/Stocks-Smith Family Foundation doing business as the Urban Action Network. Additional funds have been provided by the Illinois Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln through the Hanson Family Fund as well as Jane and Paul Ford Family Fund.
Award Update
We are proud to award the Creative Reuse Marketplace (CRM) a $4,000.00 grant to support their Art-Based SEL Alternative School Program. CRM is a is an all-female governed and operated 501 ©3 charitable and educational organization fostering community responsibility, environmental stewardship, and development through donations, creative reuse, and job training for low-income, unemployed, and/or unhoused people in Springfield, IL and the surrounding area.
The CRMs Art-Based SEL Alternative School Program seeks to provide and incorporate art-based programming into the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum – leveraging creative expression as a tool for personal development and emotional intelligence. The program, when fully funded, is expected to reach 50 -75 middle and high school students in SD186’s alternative schools.