Foundation Grant Establishes Digital Art Lab

The Village Network (TVN)-Akron has purchased equipment for a mobile, digital art lab with a recent Martha Holden Jennings Foundation grant. The dollars will purchase two laptops and four digital cameras for use in the art therapy program.

TVN is a private, nonprofit organization specializing in the treatment and care of troubled and traumatized youth. The Akron Campus, located on the grounds of the Interval Brotherhood Home, S. Main St., is one of 10 networks of care throughout the state offering residential, day treatment, foster care and alternative schooling.

The money is part of the Foundation's Grants-To-Educators program which supports, recognizes and encourages outstanding classroom initiatives. The TVN grant was secured with the help of Beverly Oaks, a high school teacher for Coventry Schools.

Both boys and girls inside TVN-Akron's residential and day treatment programs will have the opportunity to participate in the new lab according to Jason Bradley, behavioral management specialist at TVN-Akron.

"The digital art lab offers another avenue of creativity and self expression," said Bradley. "Art therapy is proven, positive outlet for emotions. In addition, the kids will acquire new job skills and exposure to another career field."

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation was founded in 1959 by Mrs. Andrew R. Jennings of Cleveland. Her original goal of providing support to youth and their teachers holds true today. The Foundation fosters individual development in young people and encourages and supports creativity in teaching.

For more information on The Village Network visit http://www.thevillagenetwork.org/