Fitler Vibe: Nonprofit in Residence
Drum roll please! We are excited to announce the winner of Fitler Club’s 2021 Nonprofit in Residence program is…
YOU MAY BE WONDERING: What is Fitler Club’s Nonprofit in Residence program? Who is Rock to the Future? How can I get involved? Read on for answers to each of these questions and more.
What is Fitler Club’s Nonprofit in Residence?
The Nonprofit in Residence is an annual year-long collaboration between Fitler Club and a Philadelphia-area nonprofit. Chosen through a competitive application process, the winner enjoys rent-free private workspace at Offsite, Fitler Club’s workspace. Additionally, the nonprofit’s Executive Director and management team have access to the club’s resources and membership engagement opportunities. In return, the nonprofit partners with Fitler Club on programming to expand its reach and to support the Club’s Fitler Forward:Community First commitment to engage its resources and its diverse, civically engaged members to do good for Philadelphia.
So cool! Tell us more about Rock to the Future:
Rock to the Future (RTTF) is a 10-year-old music education nonprofit based in Kensington. It provides free music lessons, instruments, tutoring and mentoring to Philadelphia students to help them reach their fullest potential.
“Our kids are all students in Philly neighborhood public schools, so a partnership with an organization so tied to the city’s civic life makes perfect sense,” says Jessica Craft, CEO and founding executive director of Rock to the Future. “We’ve been excited to brainstorm ways that we can take advantage of the Nonprofit in Residence program, from music industry panel discussions to – eventually, once in-person events start up again – performances by the students in our Rock to the Future House Band.”
What inspired Jessica to create RTTF?
Jessica studied business administration and economics at Temple University, but her love for music and art is where she found friendship, a supportive community and a place to express herself. After serving as a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, she witnessed the difficulties that Philadelphia youth, schools and families face. Jessica’s belief that music education should not be considered a luxury inspired her to found Rock to the Future as a strictly volunteer organization that originally served 13 students. Fast forward 10 years and RTTF has grown to serve more that 350 youth annually with programs taught during school, after school, over the summer and (now) virtually.
Jessica looks forward to spending time at Fitler Club in 2021. Make sure you welcome her when you see her around the club!
What do the students in the program have to say about RTTF?
“When I found out Rock to the Future was here, I was really happy. I was honestly like ‘my life has been saved…’ My guitar helps me more than anything else does.” Chanel, RTTF student.
“It’s a great community and it helps people strive towards what they want to do. We get to understand each other when we are in the band together.” Zahir, RTTF student
For more student testimonials, check out this video:
There are many ways that Fitler Club members can support the RTTF mission and they need the help! Virtual programming has continued to grow during COVID-19 and RTTF is rising to meet the demand of the students it serves in more than 40 zip codes. There are 170 students registered for the winter term, 130 instruments have been distributed directly to students homes, and RTTF recently launched virtual one-on-one academic and post-secondary education support plus digital inclusion help. Additionally, partnerships are in the works with juvenile diversion programs and homeless shelters that house Philadelphia youths as well as expansion into Spanish-speaking communities.
RTTF is seeking volunteers to enhance its one-on-one academic support, guest speakers for its virtual Ready for the Future Club which supports college and career readiness, musicians to be a part of the “Create with a Pro Musician” class, Board members, financial contributors, and event sponsors. Visit rocktothefuture.org or email info@rocktothefuture.org for more details on how to get involved.
Stay tuned to the Portal for upcoming Rock to the Future programming including a Valentine’s Day-themed ‘Musical Date Night’ and other family-friendly programs!