In addition to supporting Block Institute events and providing overall support for Block Institute, donors may choose to support specific programs for which private, corporate and foundation funding is crucial. Among these programs, which are unique to Block are the following:

Aquatics
Trained therapists and staff work with our youth and adult populations in the safe and serene environs of our indoor aquatic facility. The swimming pool is heated and fully accessible, offering a unique therapeutic experience for those in our care. Donations to our Aquatics program help to fund staffing — including therapists and lifeguards, equipment and facility maintenance.

Pals With Paws — Pet Assisted Therapy
Introduced in 2009 Block Institute’s unique Pals With Paws Pet Assisted Therapy Program integrates specially-trained dogs into the Block experience. Working with trained and certified pet therapy handlers, the dogs are used in educational and therapeutic capacities with children and adults in classroom settings and one-on-one. The dogs are integrated into our adult programs too, helping individuals learn the responsibilities of animal care. Donations to Pals With Paws help us to cover the costs of pet healthcare, grooming and feeding, and provides the necessary financial resources to expand the program.

Theater Arts
Through a partnership with Brooklyn-based Genesis Repertory Ensemble, Block Institute provides individuals in its programs with opportunities to experience theater arts, in Block’s 350-seat auditorium. In addition to attending productions by Genesis Repertory Ensemble, members of the theater group offer Block’s youth and adult population the opportunity to study drama or participate in theatrical productions. Financial support for the program helps to fund Block student/adult productions and related expenses, and helps defray the cost of maintaining the auditorium.

Martial Arts
Block Institute’s partnership with Fitness for Focus offers a Martial Arts program to help individuals of all ages build strength, confidence, discipline, concentration and overall fitness. The program is taught on site by trained and certified martial arts instructors. Donations to the martial arts program help us to pay for the instructors, equipment and facilities used in the program.

Respite Program
Our Respite Program offers families an option for their child with a disability, during school holidays and vacation periods. The program provides opportunities for recreation and socialization for children ages three to eight years, with the support and supervision of a trained staff. The program runs for one week each in February, April and December to coincide with school vacations, as well as for two weeks at the end of August. Donations to the Respite Program will help sponsor a child’s enrollment and transportation costs.

Print Shop
In a response to replicate the art work generated for and displayed at Block Institute’s annual Art Expo, we have created a job training opportunity for adults with disabilities who are interested in learning skills in repro-graphics. Funded in part from a grant from the Independence Foundation, our print shop reproduces gift cards and posters of the art work from the Art Expo for sale to the public. Donations to the Print Shop will be used to defray the cost of supplies used in the print shop.

For information about event sponsorship contact:
Todd Adelman
Director of Special Events
Phone: (718) 906-5417
E-Mail: tadelman@blockinstitute.org

Block Institute • 376 Bay 44th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11241 • (718) 946-9700 • (718)-714-0197 Fax