Puppet troupe gets $4K grant

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The William Street Methodist Church Foundation has awarded “The Kids on the Block of Central Ohio,” which operates within the family of programs at Andrews House, a $4,000 grant continue their programming with the purchase of new puppets.

The Kids on the Block performed at Smith Elementary to three third-grade classes on May 11. Mel Corroto, executive director of the Andrews House, and Laurie Schaefer, board chair of the William Street Methodist Church Foundation, were on hand to see the volunteer group in action.

Schaefer said she was pleased to see how the foundation funds are used by one of its recent recipients.

The volunteer organization uses puppets to perform skits to educate children on how to respond to bullying, peer pressure, and physical and sexual abuse. Children are taught to not be silent but to find a trusted adult to talk about the problems they are having with either another child or an adult who is abusing them.

Janet Lehr, program coordinator for The Kids on the Block, said: “We are always looking for volunteers to join the program. Most of our volunteers are retired teachers and school counselors who have seen the value of this program in schools where they worked before retirement. They are happy to be part of The Kids on the Block and want to see it continue. It is a really fun group and we are always looking for new people who would like to be part of the troupe. The training is fun and easy.”

Andrews House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is located at 39 W. Winter St.

Pictured with The Kids on the Block are (left to right) Mel Corroto, Laurie Schaefer and Janet Lehr
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/05/web1_SmithElem.jpgPictured with The Kids on the Block are (left to right) Mel Corroto, Laurie Schaefer and Janet Lehr Courtesy photo

Staff Report

Information for this story was provided by the William Street Methodist Church Foundation.

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