In March 2023, Genesis Inspiration Foundation reached out to Art from Ashes to learn more about our creative empowerment programs. Little did we know, they were surprising us with a $50,000 general operating support grant this spring! The foundation began in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strives to connect youth with their creativity by providing access to programming through granting opportunities.

On April 25th, 2023, both local and national representatives from Genesis Inspiration Foundation visited the AfA office for a check ceremony, scheduled shortly after we completed a workshop with youth from APS Avenues. Typically, APS Avenues workshops are hosted at the school’s location in Aurora, but on April 25, students took a field trip to AfA’s office in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

As part of the check ceremony, youth poets stepped up to the mic and shared poems written in three minutes during the workshop that morning. Many heartfelt, powerful poems were shared. Lots of photos later, we are thrilled to be the recipient of this grant and the foundation’s support.

Special thanks again to Genesis Inspiration Foundation!