Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Coatesville YMCA, launching a series of impactful programs aimed at empowering young girls in Coatesville and expanding literacy for children across Chester County. This collaboration, which includes the “Step Up, Step Out, Make A Difference” (SUSO) program and the Chester County Imagination Library, is a significant step towards fostering community development and supporting the mental well-being of local youth.
On August 21st, Alyssa Brown, AHHAH’s Senior Peer Mentor Coordinator, along with AHHAH’s team, met with Coatesville Y representatives Krystle Brown, Ashley Ball, and Terri Edgar to discuss the upcoming initiatives. The team captured the moment with photos in front of the YMCA, featuring “Flat Dolly” and SUSO posters.
The SUSO program, a cornerstone of this partnership, is a 30-week, after-school initiative designed to empower girls in grades 8 through 12. Held on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the Coatesville YMCA throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring, SUSO focuses on leadership training, self-care, and personal development. The program’s goal is to transition the mindset of Coatesville girls from “fighting” to “leading,” fostering a new generation of community-minded leaders. Additionally, any participant not already a member of the YMCA will receive a complimentary membership, ensuring access to the program for all.
AHHAH’s Restorative Justice programs, including SUSO, play a crucial role in supporting youth through personal and community development. Gail Sikes, AHHAH’s Wellness and Forgiveness Coach for SUSO, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in creating lasting change in the community.
The partnership also extends to the Chester County Imagination Library, a literacy program that provides a free book each month to children from birth to age five living in Chester County. This initiative, part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, aims to foster a love of reading from an early age and ensure that every child has access to books. The recent $100,000 donation from the Justamere Foundation, facilitated by Lori Cushman, has been pivotal in expanding this program in partnership with the Greater Brandywine YMCA.
Jan Michener, AHHAH’s founder, highlighted how the collaboration with the Coatesville Y led to broader opportunities with the Greater Brandywine Y. “It all started with the 19320 connection,” she shared, noting the growing impact of these partnerships.
AHHAH invites the community to learn more about these programs and explore sponsorship opportunities to support ongoing restorative justice efforts. For more information and to view the photos from the recent meeting, visit AHHAH’s website.
This partnership marks an exciting chapter in AHHAH’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth and promoting literacy in Chester County. Through programs like SUSO and the Chester County Imagination Library, AHHAH and the Coatesville YMCA are making a tangible difference in the lives of local children and their families.
