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CEC 2009 Executive Director’s Report

Like many individuals, businesses, and non profits, 2009 was a challenging year. But, there were accomplishments too. And thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), the City of Aurora Office of Youth Development, Tamarac Square, and other businesses, individuals, and associations, CEC was able to continue its efforts to provide youth and the community with programs that entertain and build character through the arts.

The greatest accomplishment for CEC was our after school program in collaboration with Aurora Public Schools and the City of Aurora. “Girls Rock” is a girls only initiative that promotes individual, artistic and personal development for young women in two middle schools - East and South. In October, each class created and developed a video magazine that included a fitness through dance segment, improv segments that focused on anti - bullying, peaceful conflict resolution, and team building.

The Girls Rock program gives CEC the opportunity to see girls "shine" in a nine week period. Through dance, writing, acting and modeling techniques, the participants learn the meaning of poise, stature, brotherhood, courage, friendship, responsibility, dependability, and the art of respect. About 33% of the girls return to other Girls Rock programs throughout the school year.

A new initiative where SCFD Funds helped was a "Mom and Me" program that involved 20 girls and their moms and sisters from South and East middle schools who spent a day together at CEC learning about hair, make-up, positive body image. They learned a dance routine and used improv to better build communication skills and at the end of the day, put on a fashion show for their friends and families.

Another new initiative was offering workshops for youth in Arapahoe County Restorative Justice program. Funds were used to provide instructors in theater and, juggling.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank CEC’s primary instructors and performers who make our programs successful: Tamara Mohamed, Lauren Alpert, Brenda Hunt, Robin Braun, Margaret Krushensky, Reid Belstock, and Star Kelly. They are talented and passionate and dedicated to helping bring out the best in kids and the community.

2010 will also bring challenges and opportunities to create new ways of reaching out to youth and audiences and of course, new and exciting relationships with individuals, businesses, and funders who know the value of building character through the arts..

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of our lives here at Creative Expressions Center. You have all made a difference!

Cordially,

CEC 2009 Executive Director’s Report

Gina Oldenburg