Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) is a vibrant nonprofit offering improvisational theatre workshops to hone social and communication skills in teenagers and adults with autism and other special needs. Founded in 2008 with a primary focus on the public, PACT's vision evolved and was shaped by its early participants—children with autism. Today, PACT is crucial in empowering individuals with unique needs and nurturing a close-knit community.
At the core of PACT are its diverse workshops. Committed to its mission, PACT designs workshops prioritizing inclusivity, bringing together individuals with disabilities and supportive volunteer mentors. Key to their philosophy is fostering an environment that treats everyone equally, minimizing focus on differences. These workshops are meticulously crafted to be enjoyable, relaxed, and vibrant, fostering an atmosphere where individuals with unique needs can unleash their creativity, reconnect with peers, and develop social skills through observation and interaction.
Moreover, PACT sees the performing arts as a bridge, uniting individuals who might have previously felt isolated into a shared space. This collective engagement fosters stronger connections, empowering individuals to express their thoughts and emotions while displaying their talents. The path toward mastering an artistic form brings profound enrichment to those navigating the hurdles of autism and other disabilities.
“We utilize improvisational theatre to help teens and adults with autism master social and communication skills and enjoy the community's wellbeing. We continue to be inspired by their creative genius and potential to make all our lives better through their contributions. We also continue to be humbled by their families' love for them and dedication to bringing out the best in these children and young adults.
- Kathryn Campion, Founding Executive Director, PACT
Recognizing the innovative capacities within individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) generously provided a grant of $13,500 to PACT. This funding is explicitly designed to support enhancing social and communication skills among teens and young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) through their active involvement in the performing arts.
To learn more about PACT, visit their website at Positive Action Community Theatre (pacthouse.org)
Are you a nonprofit organization based in San Diego and Imperial County and seeking funding for a program? Visit www.foundationfordd.org/program-grants to learn more about our program grant opportunities.
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