the Madison foundation announces funding for the arts barn

The Madison Foundation to provide a $5000 grant to the Friends of Madison Youth
​ to support families adversely affected by the COVID crisis.

By Jennifer Simpson, Neighbor
​October 7th, 2020

Remote Learning at The Barn's structured study hall. (Robyn Klaskin, Executive Director)

Madison, CT - The Madison Foundation in conjunction with the John Brady and Roberta Isleib Donor-Advised Fund will provide $5000 to the Friends of Madison Youth--The Barn--to support families adversely affected by the COVID-19 economic and public health crisis.
The hybrid learning model adopted by Madison Public Schools at the start of the school year left parents scrambling to find affordable child care. The Barn stepped in to fill the void by creating a safe and affordable learning solution. The grant funding will be used to create a structured study hall for students learning remotely with socially-distanced workstations, cozy reading areas, and WIFI internet access. Additionally, the funding will support adult proctors to assist students struggling with the virtual learning environment.
The grant will also provide funding for The Barn's theater program which supports children's emotional and social development. Many students became depressed during the statewide shutdown spending too many hours isolated, sedentary, and in front of screens. Participation in theater productions offers students a creative outlet where they can reconnect with peers in a socially responsible way.

"The Barn has provided quality programs to local families for more than twenty years and for the first time is faced with the reality that we cannot continue to open our programs to people who can't afford to pay at a time when families need our programs the most," said The Barn director Robin Klaskin.
Many parents need to go to work and are not comfortable leaving young learners at home to navigate online schooling. Even parents working from home struggle with supporting their children and focusing on their work. The Barn's structured study hall provides a safe, affordable childcare option for parents at a critical time.
"This grant request had the unanimous support of the Board of Directors," said Peter Roos of the Foundation's grant committee. "The Barn was always self-sufficient but like so many local nonprofits, they had to cancel all their major fundraising events. This program provides a safe place for children to study while being inspired to learn and grow," added Roos.

The Foundation is pleased to support The Barn's study hall program and is actively seeking grants from other nonprofits adversely affected by the ongoing global pandemic. Please visit the foundation's website at https://www.themadisonfoundation.org/grant-guidelines/ for additional grant information and to download the grant application.

The Madison Foundation is a grant-making organization committed to making Madison a better place for all residents by connecting donors who care with causes that matter.

kids may find adventure at the barn in madison (Click HERE for Original article)

By Sarah Page Kyrcz July 7, 2020

Campers enjoy a day of relaxation during one of the summer camps offered through The Barn. The nonprofit organization in Madison has started summer camps for this summer, following strict COVID-19 protocols to keep all attendees safe. 

MADISON — Are your children ready for an adventure after months of quarantine? How about summer camp with offerings including film animation, filmmaker’s boot camp, photography, art exploration and Zen retreat week. For the last nine years, The Barn has offered summer camp at their 5,000-square-foot facility.

The nonprofit organization’s camp is directed toward ages 10 and up. This year, restrictions allow no more than 10 campers per session. “We’re doing everything here to be safe and following all the guidelines,” said Co-Director Robyn Klaskin, regarding precautions in light of the COVID-19 epidemic. That includes having three adults onsite “to monitor and make sure that everybody is safe,” Klaskin said. Camps have started and will conclude with the Aug. 10 “Find Your Zen: A Retreat Camp 2020.” Each session goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., five days a week. In addition, two workshops are offered, meeting two hours for two days a week over a couple weeks. These include Filmmaker’s Boot Camp and Monologue Master Class.While the doors were closed during state-required quarantining, children participated in weekly ZOOM events including bingo, trivia and DJ dance parties.
“It is nowhere near the same,” said Co-Director Tammy Boris. “They want to be together, so that’s why we’re looking forward to getting them back in here for summer camp.” After briefly shutting down and canceling the spring production of “Little Mermaid,” with 55 cast members, Klaskin is happy to be opening again for the children who participate in The Barn’s programs. “They consider The Barn part of their family and they were so sad that we couldn’t be here together and doing things,” Klaskin said. “The kids, they create such bonds and friendships here — it was just sad to have all that taken away. So to be able to offer something, even to a limited amount of kids, is better than nothing.” With limited funding, the plays help bring in the money essential to keep the organization’s programs operational.
“To lose such a huge production like that, that was a devastating blow,” said Trisha Barba, a member of the board of directors for the past five years. Barba’s daughter, Carly, attended the camps for seven years and now serves as a mentor. “It was great,” said Barba. “She got to come here, interact with all the other kids. It’s a very loving environment and all the kids look so forward to when they come in. It’s exciting, they have fun. “Our main goal is to make sure that the kids enjoy their summer, they enjoy being up here, they make new friends and that they do build their self-esteem.”