TAMPA, Fla. — For 20 years, a nonprofit in an underserved area in Tampa has been working to provide kids with a safe outlet to create art.
At a city council meeting Thursday, leaders from Community Stepping Stones said they are under the constant threat of disappearing if they can’t keep enough funding to operate.
Tucked away in Sulphur Springs, Community Stepping Stones offers an artsy oasis to a community that’s often overlooked.
“It’s more than just art, it’s community, it’s building relationships,” Sarai Rodriguez from the nonprofit said. “We want to show Tampa that ‘Hey, there’s potential here. There are people here that love their community, that love their kids, that want…more opportunities for them.'”
The organization offers kids the opportunity to express themselves through art education and mentorship.
“It’s a free program, all our programs are free for them,” Rodriguez says.
While the group is resourceful and has made art out of tossed items like recyclables or old campaign signs, Rodriguez says funding would “go a long way.”
Leaders from the organization asked council members for city funding at a council meeting on Thursday morning.
“We are located in one of the most neglected neighborhoods in Tampa, Sulphur Springs,” one person said. “We’re making a difference there, and we’d like you all and the City of Tampa to help us make that difference.”
While the budget for this year is already set, council members seemed optimistic that funding might be a possibility before it’s time for next year’s fiscal planning.
Council members are expecting to take a look at how much money is available for the program at their next meeting and should be voting on whether or not the organization will receive it.