Roshni

ROSHNI was founded to address the following needs: Services for marginalized groups: ROSHNI set out to address the lack of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the professional performing Art Scene. Our programs use art to share stories of under-represented groups and more importantly help them tell their own. Community-building: Programs bridge divides by encouraging cross-cultural friendships, finding common ground while celebrating differences, and giving people an opportunity to learn and share, while finding the courage to express themselves personally. Arts programming for at-risk youth: All youth served by our programs have been born in refugee camps and immigrated here in the last 3 - 10 years. They struggle at school due to language and social barriers and have domestic instabilities at home. Each year we serve an average of 1000 youth and 200 adults. 80% are BIPOC populations.

Roshni is a community-based arts organization that works with those at the margins to affirm, express and connect through the performing arts. We use art to uplift, heal and inspire. Our goals are to: 1. Support the cultures and artistic traditions of New Americans (refugee/immigrants), people with physical disabilities and mental illnesses, racial/ ethnic minorities, people experiencing homelessness, the LGBTQ community, and seniors 2. Recruit and mentor local artist residents 3. Produce artwork and opportunities to present them 4. Initiate long-term projects to strengthen neighborhoods and communities Our free programs are geared towards youth & adult programs, theater productions, the New American Arts Festival, and monthly cultural events. We work in partnership with schools and other arts organizations to reach diverse communities, combine resources, and offer programs at accessible venues. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our staff, volunteers, and board members.