At Company Distilling, we believe that bringing people together starts with teaching our youngest generations the values of empathy, kindness, and belonging. In January, we are proud to announce that NYC Kids Project has been selected as a recipient of our Gather Around Giving Grant.

About NYC Kids Project

Established in 1981 by the NY State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, NYC Kids Project has spent over 30 years teaching children to embrace inclusion and respect for all through the transformative power of puppetry and storytelling. What began as a state-funded initiative has evolved into an independent nonprofit with an expanded mission to represent differences of all kinds.

Following state budget cuts in 2011, Co-Directors Cecilia Arana and Mindy Pfeffer transformed NYC Kids Project into an independent organization, achieving 501(c)3 status in 2014. Today, they partner with schools across New York City, with a focus on Title 1 schools, creating immersive experiences where young children can practice empathy, inclusion, and kindness by interacting with diverse characters representing many marginalized identities and abilities.

Programs Offered

For Early Learners (PreK and 1st Grade): Making Friends

This playful, interactive classroom presentation introduces young children to differences and disabilities using dolls, hand puppets, adaptive equipment, song, storytelling, and American Sign Language. Students discuss what it means to be a friend, help puppet characters navigate feelings around being teased, and learn that everyone shares the need for friendship and inclusion. Sessions run 30-40 minutes.

For Elementary Students (2nd through 5th Grade): Puppet Show

A theatrical experience featuring large, multicultural kid-sized puppets and smaller sock puppets that focuses on inclusion, differences, disabilities, and character development. Student audiences interact directly with teaching artists in engaging, honest discussions that lead to deeper, more personal understanding of belonging. Sessions run 45-55 minutes.

For Small Groups: School Residencies

Multi-week residencies for individual classes that guide students through puppet creation, puppetry techniques, improvisation, and storytelling. Weekly exercises allow students to explore issues including identity, community, bullying, and gender through their puppet characters, encouraging creativity, cooperation, and empathy. Sessions run 45-55 minutes.

NYC Kids Project teaching artists travel to schools in all five boroughs at no additional cost to schools. They offer adapted programs for NYC District 75 and inclusion classrooms, and following a successful pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual programming is now a permanent option.

Impact

Over their 30-year history, NYC Kids Project has reached more than one million children across all five boroughs of New York City. Currently, they visit over 100 classrooms per year at schools, libraries, museums, and community centers, serving 8,000 to 10,000 children annually. Their programs are intentionally designed to make children feel comfortable asking questions and processing ideas they might not otherwise know how to articulate, creating spaces for open dialogue that continues long after the puppets have left the classroom.

How You Can Support NYC Kids Project

Your support helps ensure that children across New York City have access to programs that build empathy and inclusion. Here’s how you can help:

  1. Donate: Financial contributions enable NYC Kids Project to continue providing free programming to Title 1 schools and underserved communities. Every dollar helps bring puppetry experiences to more classrooms across the five boroughs.
  2. Volunteer: Share your time and talents to support their mission. Whether you have experience in education, puppetry, or community outreach, there are meaningful ways to contribute.
  3. Spread the Word: Raise awareness about NYC Kids Project by sharing their mission with educators, parents, and community leaders in your networks. Help more schools discover this powerful teaching tool.
  4. Attend Events: Participate in fundraising events and public performances hosted by NYC Kids Project. Your attendance helps amplify their reach and impact.
  5. Connect Schools: If you know educators or school administrators who would benefit from these programs, help facilitate introductions. NYC Kids Project is always seeking new partnerships with schools committed to inclusive education.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Company Distilling, our Gather Around Giving program empowers communities by supporting organizations like NYC Kids Project. We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting NYC Kids Project, you contribute to building a more inclusive society where all children learn to value diversity, practice empathy, and embrace the richness of human differences.

Visit NYC Kids Project’s website to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can help the next generation create a more compassionate world.

Company Distilling’s Gather Around Giving program supports nonprofits that create positive change in their communities. To learn more about our initiatives and how you can participate, visit our Gather Around Giving page.