Autistic Adults NYC Exploring self expression through interdisciplinary art

Autistic Adults NYC, a Chelsea nonprofit serving Autistic New Yorkers, launched their “Alternative Expression” program with funding from a WSCF grant last fall. Participants attended a series of free, beginner-friendly classes to create a wide variety of experimental and interdisciplinary art. Painting, mixed media, sound, and performance were some of the genres explored, and each session was designed with the sensory needs and different learning styles of Autistic people in mind. Classes were held at Pier 57, and an exhibition proudly displaying the participants’ creations was the program highlight. 

“Alternative Expression” refutes the ableist idea that the way Autistic people communicate is dysfunctional or abnormal–it’s just alternative. Though many may struggle to varying degrees with verbal communication, the opportunity to express oneself creatively in a non-verbal medium allowed participants to convey meaning and emotion in a new way. 

Alex, an Alternative Expression participant, shared, “It was great to try different kinds of art that I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise, and to end up with [my] art in an exhibition in Chelsea was amazing.” Jenn, another participant, added that the program “was the first [chance] I had to collaborate with only Autistic folks and [I] enjoyed that aspect a lot.”

Manhattan Community Boathouse Repairing Pier 96 for free kayaking

Manhattan Community Boathouse (MCB) is one of few organizations that ensures all New Yorkers are able to enjoy the Hudson River through completely free and public recreational programming each summer. This fall, a WSCF grant was allocated towards their flagship kayaking program. Funds were utilized to repair the floating docks at Pier 96 Boathouse in Hudson River Park, in addition to general maintenance, to keep kayaking accessible and safe. 

Manhattan Community Boathouse services eight to ten thousand New Yorkers of all ages, making the otherwise exclusive and inaccessible Hudson River available for leisure, exercise, and relief from the heat during record-breaking summer temperatures. 

Mike Petite, MCB’s Co-founder and President shared that both locals and visitors alike laud the unique public kayaking experience. Couples return to the pier for engagements, and the Boathouse’s dedicated volunteers testify that the community made through the program is priceless.

Hell’s Kitchen Community Cupboard Addressing food insecurity and reducing waste

Hell’s Kitchen Community Cupboard (HKCC) received a Fall 2023 WSCF grant in support of their neighborhood food share. Each day of the week, HKCC volunteers rescue food from local restaurants and businesses and redirect these items to community members in need. With the Cupboard’s intervention, unused fresh produce and bread do not go to waste, and are instead distributed to lines of over 100 people affected by food insecurity each week. 

Mutual aid is the key principle of the Cupboard. Understanding that food insecurity is invisible, there aren’t any limits placed on the amount of food neighbors can take. HKCC encourages all to “take what you need, and leave what you can,” and business owners respond by continuing to donate huge bags of food to restock the pantry with.

In addition to alleviating hunger in Hell’s Kitchen, HKCC has indirectly addressed the post-pandemic social isolation crisis by encouraging connections between volunteers, restaurant and business owners, and those visiting the Cupboard.