Greetings!
The other day, I was asked if there is a success story that highlights the impact of ABADÁ-Capoeira SF (ACSF). The usual answers came to mind: the teenage participants who spoke at our recent performance and shared how ACSF helped them to feel safe to be themselves, gain confidence, succeed in school, and take on leadership roles in their communities. The child who had behavioral problems in school, but excelled in the Capoeira class environment and is now learning to control their emotions in school with fewer incidents. The fact that we employed ten teaching artists and paid them a record amount in compensation, helping local artists afford to stay in the Bay Area. And there are many more stories like these.
However, the usual responses fail to fully convey the impact of ACSF.
It’s the daily micro achievements made by each of our students that add up to major life changes. It’s the interpersonal relationships that develop at our studio. It’s the small daily impacts that add up to create an enormous impact. The positive shifts each individual participant experiences at ACSF don’t stay at the individual level. These impacts extend to one’s family, and social circles. Eventually, these individuals gain broadened perspectives, which collectively results in a positive impact on humanity.
So it isn’t a single story or moment that captures ACSF’s impact, but instead, it’s the culmination of many people’s actions rooted in values of respect, empathy, strength, perseverance, community, and equity.
WITH YOUR HELP, THIS PAST YEAR WE:
- Offered 216 afterschool classes at our Mission District Capoeira Arts Center serving 191 underresourced children
- Provided 75 children with free and low-cost summer camp experiences.
- Offered 10 school-based residency programs, teaching 165 classes for 430 youth across the Bay Area.
- Hosted 10 in-house performance events including our annual Batizado graduation performance.
- Connected students with master-level cultural bearers and artists from across the globe.
- Set new records for internal and external job placements for artists and administrators.
- Rebounded enrollment post-COVID by 65%
- Expanded the reach of ACSF’s Community Safety Committee, who help to promote our core values through trainings, discussion circles, and outreach.
We thank you for your support in creating the impact of ACSF, in creating a place, a community where we get to see the best of humanity.
From everyone at ACSF, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Jennifer Walsh & Marcia Treidler
Please consider making a year-end tax deductible donation