4% complete
$35,000 Goal
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Support 5th Element Center for Dance (5E): Keep Our Doors Open!
Hip hop has long been a vital medium of expression and reflection for low-income Black and Brown youth, providing an outlet for creativity and a tool for transformation. At 5th Element Center for Dance (5E), we harness the power of hip hop to foster personal and artistic development, empowering youth to become compassionate, knowledgeable, and expressive artists connected to themselves and their communities. We are dedicated to uplifting and nurturing low-income and Black and Brown students by integrating social emotional learning and academic support into our programs.
Our Impact:
“We appreciate everything that you do for our family. The time, the patience, the way you care, the effort, the ability to let the kids express themselves, just EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU! If there is any way that we can pay it forward with anything, please let us know.”
“Coach Daniel, we thank you for being a positive mentor in our grandson's life. He has a passion for dance. You and the other coaches here at 5th Element bring out the best in him, and we appreciate y'all for that.”
We have served over 100 youth in Denver and Aurora, offering free programs to low-income students. Our offerings include:
Why We Need Your Help:
We have been fortunate to receive prestigious awards and grants in the past, including the Essence and Pine-Sol 2020 Build Your Legacy Contest $10K Award, and funding from the Black Resilience In Colorado (BRIC) Fund, The Eulipions Fund, the Nora Roberts Foundation, the Strengthening Neighborhoods Fund, the Colorado Health Foundation , the Executive Directors of Color Institute, and the City of Aurora. This past year has brought unexpected financial challenges. Our Board of Directors and Executive Director made the decision to opened our brick-and-mortar dance center and signed a lease in August 2023, expecting increased grant funding. However, due to the economic downturn, grant funding has decreased, and fundraising campaigns have raised less money. We are facing the possibility of closing our doors unless we can raise $47,000 to cover our rent and keep our programs running through the end of the second quarter (November).
The Importance of 5E:
Our programs are vital for the physical and mental well-being of the youth we serve. Low-income, Black, and Brown students are disproportionately impacted by issues such as poor cardiovascular health, mental health challenges, and lack of access to supportive environments. Dance offers significant health benefits, improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, coordination, and mental health. Engaging in dance also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-esteem and body image. Our culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach creates a supportive environment where students can thrive physically, mentally, socially, and artistically.
How Your Donation Will Help:
Your contribution will be used to:
Join Us in Making a Difference:
We invite you to be part of our community and help us keep 5E open. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a significant impact on the lives of the youth we serve.
First Campaign Goal:
Raise $35,000 by the end of August to get current on rent payments through September and ensure our programs continue uninterrupted.
Ongoing Support:
After reaching our initial goal, we will continue to raise funds to support our rent and operational costs through quarterly campaigns. This will help us maintain stability and continue offering our essential programs without interruption.
Ways to Help:
Together, we can continue to provide a safe, empowering, and inclusive space for our youth to learn, grow, and express themselves. Thank you for your support!