Clark State Community College’s youth outreach program – Project Jericho – has been selected to receive continued funding from the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services for two years of services.
“This funding supports Project Jericho's ongoing youth and family programming,” said Lo Houser, director of Project Jericho. “The programs include two annual week-long camps for youth and one annual week-long camp for families; eight art modules, 30 sessions of a student-led open studio and up to eight community or public performances or visual art presentations showcasing the achievements of Project Jericho youth and families.”
The funding also supports three full-time staff positions, one of which was recently promoted from part-time as a result of this contract.
The 2018 Project Scare-A-Crow theme will be "Crows Incognito" and begins in mid-September.
Project Scare-A-Crow began eight years ago when Project Jericho created an art program that had families create scarecrows together. The goal was to give families a project that allowed them to work collaboratively to build a scarecrow that showcased their artistic skills.
In 2016, Project Jericho partnered with National Trail Parks and Recreation District to create a larger scarecrow exhibit that was opened to the public. The exhibit was moved to National Road Commons Park located between West Main Street and West Columbia Street, two blocks west of St. Rt. 72, near the Madonna of the Trail in downtown Springfield.
“CHALKTOBERFEST” features the annual Project Scare-A-Crow installation and hosts a chalk art competition to be held on Saturday, October 6 at National Road Commons Park.
“We see how Project Jericho strengthens families and equips individuals with higher self-esteem and better communication skills,” said Houser. “Project Jericho programming provides opportunities for youth and families to engage with community resources and feel proud to be from Clark County, especially when they have the chance to share the art they’ve created.”
Youth and families who may be interested in Project Jericho programming can use the referral form at http://www.project-jericho.com/refer-a-youth or by contact Project Jericho directly at 937-328-3869.