A Year in Review from 1214 Foundation

With the holidays right around the corner, the 1214 Foundation would like to share a heartwarming, mission-filled year in review with you.

ARC

In January, the 1214 Foundation kicked off its Winter 2018 ARC Character Development session for four different age groups.

Involving over 60 students ranging in age from 5 to 17, monthly ARC sessions teach a diverse group of CT students various life tools such as grit, confidence, self-awareness, and resilience to help students more effectively navigate through their daily routines while simultaneously implementing positive psychology concepts to help pave their way towards flourishing and fulfilling lives.

The University of Pennsylvania's
Masters of Applied Positive Psychology Program

At the beginning of the year, the 1214 Foundation was chosen by the University of Pennsylvania to work with a group of students from their Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program.

For five months, the foundation worked closely with the MAPP team to further enhance the ARC Character Development program, which was custom-designed for the foundation by volunteers from the Yale School of Management in 2013.

In April, the team of passionate MAPP students presented the results of their service project to the rest of their classmates, professors, and to Dr. Baroody and Board VP, Raiza Arnone.

The foundation is grateful for the effort and excellence put forth by the MAPP team and, although the program has come to an end, the relationship has not. The Penn cohorts continue to be a resource for the foundation, and even attended a NewArts performance of Newsies.

Vice President Raiza Arnone Obtains
Certification in Positive Psychology from Penn

Inspired by the work of the University of Pennsylvania's MAPP team on the 1214 Foundation's ARC Character Development program, Vice President Raiza Arnone obtained her certification in Positive Psychology and has since served the foundation by sharing her knowledge and wisdom with both ARC leaders and students.

NewArts Presents Newsies

In August, the 1214 Foundation's NewArts mastery experience put on a youth Broadway style production of Newsies the musical. Click here to read a review of NEWSIES.

Involving over 150 local students ages 5 through 22 and choreography adapted from Tony-Award winner Christopher Gattelli, the NewArts production of Newsies was a show you did not want to miss!

Students used the tools they learned in weekly ARC sessions to step outside of their comfort zones and tackle both a physically and musically demanding show.

Michael Baroody, MD, founder of the 12.14 Foundation explains,

“The participating children entertain the community with a Broadway-quality performance, but more important, throughout the rehearsal process, they learn how to overcome obstacles, work as a team and realize the best versions of themselves.”

NewArts Welcomes Guest Stars

The 1214 Foundation's NewArts production of Broadway hit musical “Newsies” was one of the most rigorous mastery experiences to date.

NewArts students’ grit and perseverance throughout the rehearsal process garnered the support and accolades of the show’s producers and original Broadway cast.

Guest artists such as Harvey Fierstein and Alan Menken visited NewArts students to discuss the grit and perseverance involved in creating a musical which reinforced various ARC concepts and encouraged students to discover what it is they are passionate about.

Newtown Labor Day Parade WINNER

In September, the 1214 Foundation took home the title of "BEST FLOAT" at the annual Newtown Labor Day Parade.

The theme of the parade was "Serving the Community." The 1214 Foundation's float and finale performance served the Newtown community on Labor Day with its high-energy message to "Seize the Day" from the musical Newsies.

More importantly, the 1214 Foundation's ARC Character Development curriculum and NewArts mastery experience continue to serve the community year-round through their combined effort to equip students with tools to increase their overall well-being and lead meaningful lives.

Find Your Light Foundation

In September, Josh Groban's Find Your Light Foundation awarded the 1214 Foundation with a generous grant to help support the longevity of the foundation's programs.

A huge thank you to the Find Your Light Foundation for supporting the 1214 Foundation for a second year in a row and continuously believing in the foundation's mission to maximize youth grit and resilience, thus paving the way for students to develop optimally, grow through adversity and lead flourishing lives.

To learn more about the Find Your Light Foundation please visit: http://fylf.org

ANNOUNCING NEWARTS' SUMMER 2019 PRODUCTION

Matilda: The Musical

Audition and Tech Team Info: https://newarts.org/summer2019auditions/

Performances August 2-11 at Masuk High School in Monroe, CT

Thank You For Your Support!

As we spend time reflecting on our many blessings this holiday season, the 1214 Foundation would like to express its gratitude for all of the time and resources each and every one of you have provided to help our children flourish.

Our ARC and NewArts programs would not be possible without your generous support.

With the valuable tools our students are given to stretch outside of their comfort zones, use character strengths to conquer challenging situations, and discover ways to harness their emotions as both positive leverage and grit, we are confident that they will lead meaningful lives that allow them to make this world a better place.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season,
The 1214 Foundation

Click Here to Donate

12.14 Foundation | P.O. Box 90 , Newtown , CT 06470

All photos courtesy of 1214 Foundaton