Studio 84 set to begin second session soon
By Heather Ruenz
Editor
With one 8-week session under its belt, those spearheading the new program offered through Studio 84 are set to enter phase 2 encouraged by the progress made thus far.
Following the success of its core programming, the studio, which has worked with people with disabilities for years, created a Community Connections program that combined art and theater along with a path for students to become more involved in the community.
The first 8-week session had four students enrolled and was a great success, according to Julie Witt, who leads the job skills portion of the program.
“We were able partner with Lakeview Elementary School and Lakeland Nursing Home to assist with lunch service,” Witt said. “Those experiences offered a whole array of tasks and some great socialization skills to the students.”
At Lakeview the Studio 84 students helped serve lunch. Witt said in addition to the positives for them, it also brought an important connection to the forefront.
“Some of the kids at the school were exposed to people with disabilities,” Witt said. “They were very nice to our students and there were even some introductions, allowing recognition and even some conversations to carry over as the program went on.”
At Lakeland Nursing Home, Witt said in addition to helping serve lunch, the students also assisted with some of the preparation work.
“That gave them opportunities to ask questions to make sure they were doing things correctly and again, was a great setting for socialization,” she said.
While both experiences revolved around lunch, Witt said, they were entirely different.
“The staff and residents at the nursing home were adults so they were immediately comfortable around our participants,” Witt said. “But I think that made the students more comfortable at the school.”
Jessica Barden, one of the Community Connections participants, said she enjoyed both experiences.
“I really liked working at the nursing home and at the school because we got to meet people and be with Julie,” Barden said. “I learned a lot from it… how to be a better person and do my job better.”
Witt said she is proud of Barden.
“She’s really good at working independently but also as part of a team,” Witt said of Barden. “At the nursing home they get food ready and help cut peoples’ food and Jessica did great.”
The theater portion of the program was also a success the first session.
“Getting people with disabilities to see things from a different perspective can be a challenge but to see them do so is great,” Karen McCullough said.
“It can be difficult for anyone, really,” she added. “Learning to trust people and know they won’t be made fun of is a great thing to witness.”
Studio 84 director Deborah Blackwell said some of what is being done in theater, while seemingly simple, is vital to their success.
“So much of it helps boost their confidence. One exercise was having them introduce themselves to others (not in the program) who were in the studio,” Blackwell said. “They improved with each new person they talked to.”
Blackwell said it’s important to remember what people with disabilities have been exposed to throughout their lives.
“Even if they haven’t been blatantly made fun of, though often that is the case, they’ve been stared at and made to feel as if they’re different,” Blackwell said. “Showing them that they, too, have the personalities and skills to interact with others and work around others is something they so deserve.”
Program details
The second session of the program is set to begin soon and will again be held 11 hours a week – split into two days, Wednesdays and Fridays – for eight weeks. Below is the tentative schedule:
Wednesday – 10 a.m. to noon, two sessions of theater, noon to 12:30 p.m., lunch (students bring their own,) 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., three sessions of art and/or volunteering opportunities.
Friday – 10 a.m. to noon, two sessions of art, noon to 12:30 p.m., lunch (students bring their own,) 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., three sessions of art and/or volunteer opportunities.
During the afternoons students will be volunteering in the community or working in the studio on individual art development. There may be small, additional fees if transportation is required for trips in the community.
The cost for the eight-week session is $1,320 per student. Studio 84 will invoice IRIS or other financial resources as needed.
In addition to participants, the studio is seeking companies and individuals to sponsor scholarships for students that want to attend the Community Connections Services program but cannot afford to do so. Scholarships for less than the total cost are welcome and will be applied as needed to lower costs for participants.
Studio 84 is at 121 W. Center St. in Whitewater. For more information stop in, call (262) 473-9845 or email info@studio84inc.org.
