BY MELISSA BARLOW
Director of Arts and Community Programs The Heights Center

The Heights Center is a 2018 recipient of a Southwest Florida Community Foundation Arts, Community and Culture Community Impact Grant. This grant has allowed the center to develop affordable and accessible music, art, theater and dance classes for children and adults from the Harlem Heights neighborhood and surrounding areas. Through classes, productions, performances, recitals, and workshops our participants reap the benefits of involvement in the arts — both on an individual and community level.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multifamily apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70 percent Hispanic, 20 percent African- American, and 8 percent Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40 percent below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

Removing the geographical barrier and transportation challenges for residents of the Harlem Heights community allows them to participate in programming within a community setting that has been shown to improve attitudes and form behaviors that promote school and work and reduce dropout rates. These classes provide opportunities to develop self-discipline and increase self-efficacy, to collaborate with others, develop personal creativity and to identify activities that reduce personal stress and promote a work/life balance.

Providing a sliding scale tuition rate based on family income allows even the most economically disadvantaged families the opportunity to experience and participate in the creative arts. The 14,000-square-foot community center also provides accessible, affordable performance and rehearsal spaces for participants. Gallery space provides an avenue to exhibit works created by arts programming participants.

Edgardo is a kindergarten student at the Harlem Heights Community Charter School. The school, located within The Heights Center, is a K-3, small school environment that focuses on individualized learning and the development of core academic skills.

Edgardo is learning to play the violin because of his participation in Musicworks! at The Heights Center’s After School program. Musicworks! is a collaboration with The Gulf Coast Symphony that provides one and a half hours of daily instrumental music education to 42 children. Students learn to play an orchestral instrument with emphasis on high-level achievement and musical growth, and develop goal-directed behavior and skills that increase their academic and social success. MusicWorks! is also supported in part by a grant from The Southwest Florida Community Foundation.

Edgardo is also enrolled in our children’s keyboard class. The class was made possible by the SWFCF grant. His father, Edgardo Sr., played music years ago, and wanted to learn to read music so he and his son could enjoy playing music together. Edgardo Sr. enrolled in our adult keyboard class.

“I am happy that my son is learning to play instruments at an early age,” said Edgardo Sr. “This will be something he can benefit from his whole life. It would not have been possible for us to participate without the affordable pricing and location of classes in our neighborhood. These classes allow us the opportunity to have a shared interest that we can enjoy together for years to come.”

To learn more about arts classes at The Heights Center, contact me at 482-7706 or Melissa@heightsfoundation.org.

— This summer, Florida Weekly and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation are spotlighting the nonprofit organizations funded through the foundation’s 2018 competitive grant cycle. The foundation serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more information, call 274- 5900 or see www.floridacommunity.com.

“Part of our mission is to provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts to the Harlem Heights community,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center.  “Learning to create and appreciate the arts is important to the development of both children and adults.  We are grateful to The Southwest Florida Community Foundation for helping us provide access to the arts at an affordable price for residents of Harlem Heights and the surrounding communities.”

Classes will take place at the 14,000 square foot community center conveniently located between US 41 and McGregor Boulevard on Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers.  Classes will be taught by instructors experienced in each field.  There will be no registration fees and low instruction costs.

Group keyboard lessons for children and adults are beginning soon.  Any experience level is invited and evening classes are available.  Classes are $15 per week or $60 per month and include one hour of instruction each week, keyboard and materials.

Additional classes in music, art, dance and theatre will be added throughout the year.

The Center is also looking for local artists and musicians interested in teaching classes.

For more information, to enroll or to inquire about teaching positions, contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or melissa@heightsfoundation.org.

The Heights Center is conveniently located at 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers, between McGregor Boulevard and Winkler Road, just off Gladiolus Drive.

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.