March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Nevada County is proud to support the work of the Neighborhood Center of the Arts (NCA), which provides arts-based training and education for adults with developmental disabilities.
NCA was one of many local nonprofits awarded funding through Nevada County’s Community Resiliency Grant program. The grant program provided one-time funding of up to $100,000 for local programs that increase resiliency, support recovery, and provide relief from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the grant money awarded, NCA was able to afford their rent for the past 12 months.
“Having a place to gather and provide services is a huge piece of how our organization is able to function. Traditionally the program receives funding through the Department of Disability Services via the California Regional Center. Our per-artist rate has been the same for several years, yet the cost of running a business continues to rise. Therefore, this grant was a huge relief to the program in our recovery process,” said NCA Executive Director Amee Medeiros.
Neighborhood Center of the Arts has served Developmentally Disabled and Intellectually Challenged adults since 1985 by providing a robust art program, advocacy, and opportunity.
“The artists and staff consider one another family and have done incredible things over the years to continue engaging with one another as well as creating and offering completed artwork for sale,” said Medeiros.
“Without Neighborhood Center, many of our friends with different abilities would not have a safe place to gather, create art, socialize and learn new skills. NCA is a resource for those who want to improve their art abilities while developing their skills as working artists. Receiving this grant was a huge relief as it provided a sense of normalcy for returning to our studios- knowing we could cover our costs for another year.”
Learn more about Neighborhood Center of the Arts at ncagrassvalley.org.
Photos by Neighborhood Center of the Arts