Foundation investments in new and innovative services can influence how government spends tax dollars.

Connecticut Ballet’s Dance Exposure Project – Juvenile Justice Outreach & Mentoring Program, which provides dance and drumming classes to boys and girls confined in state and privately operated juvenile detention centers

In 2001, with Tow Foundation funding, Connecticut Ballet began providing dance and African drumming classes to youth ages 12 to 16 committed to secure detention facilities in Norwalk and Bridgeport and at other sites. Over six years, the dance and drumming programs evolved and sessions were increased. Classes were added at girls’ detention centers. State employees at the secure facilities, many of whom initially questioned the value of the classes, became supportive and even participated in the activities themselves. The behavior of youth in classes improved, contributing to a more positive culture in the facilities. Each year, these dance and drumming classes serve approximately 1,000 detained youths.

In 2007, the Connecticut Judicial Branch issued a Request for Proposals for the provision of dance and drumming classes at five state juvenile detention centers at three times the funding provided previously by The Tow Foundation. Connecticut Ballet won the contract. Tow Foundation support now enables talented young people who leave detention to continue taking classes with Connecticut Ballet in their communities.