March 2, 2026
[MESA, AZ] Cultural Coalition is proud to announce it has received a $7,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its free After School Arts Program. For the second consecutive year, this funding will provide vital resources for over 100 youth residing in a low-income housing complex in Mesa, Arizona.
The After School Arts Program serves children primarily in grade kindergarten to middle school, offering a safe, creative, and enriching environment directly within their residential community. By aligning with the Mesa Public School calendar, the program ensures consistent support throughout the academic year.
This generous contribution from Thunderbirds Charities directly funds daily operations, including:
- Nutritional Support: Providing free daily meals to ensure every participant is nourished and ready to learn.
- Academic Guidance: Daily homework assistance to bolster school performance and foster a lifelong love of learning.
- Creative Exploration: Hands-on experiences in music, dance, gardening, and cooking.
“We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued investment in our community’s youth,” says Carmen Guerrero, Executive Director of Cultural Coalition. “Last year, their support allowed us to expand our cooking program and re-introduce music instruction for guitar, keyboards, and ukulele. We are thrilled to use these new funds to deepen these experiences and keep the arts accessible to those who need them most.”
Since 2015, the After School Arts Program has served as a cornerstone for families in Mesa. By providing a secure space for creative expression, the program leverages the healing power of the arts to inspire the next generation.