134 Collaborative
by Emily Atkinson
One of the cancellations in the first days of the pandemic was the Context & Conversation discussion inspired by our production of A Tale of Two Cities — as the play’s scheduled run was cut short, too. On March 16, 2020, co-presented with Providence Public Library and hosted by community partner 134 Collaborative, “Only Connect” would have explored “in times of societal splintering, how can we reclaim a sense of community with others? Join us for a conversation about seeking new and renewed connections as we navigate a precarious, provisional world.” Given the isolation and hardship that followed, the loss of this search for connection is especially poignant. Our would-have-been host, 134 Collaborative, is a community of small nonprofit programs and services housed in the historic Mathewson Street Church building a few blocks from Trinity Rep. Their community welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences including people in recovery and those who have experienced homelessness and economic insecurity. Their goal is to provide and support programs that foster recovery, help those who are underserved find their voice, sustain basic human needs for low-income individuals, and provide opportunities for creative expression. Programs include Tenderloin Opera Company, a weekly theater training program for those who are or have been homeless; Out of School Jam, introducing children 7 to 12 to the city’s arts, history, and culture while building skills to encourage healthy decision-making and community involvement; and a monthly free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers and Roger Williams University Law School students. Partners include URI Feinstein Hunger Free America; URI Feinstein Campus Urban Arts & Culture Program; Street Sights Newspaper; RI Homeless Advocacy Project; Social Enterprise Greenhouse; Oasis Wellness & Recovery Centers; Mathewson Street Church; Farm Fresh RI Mobile Market; and Better Lives RI, serving a weekly community meal to over 125 low-income and homeless individuals and families. As the city and country shut down last March, 134 Collaborative pivoted their approach to delivering services. “We were just taking one day at a time,” said Executive Director Karen Gager, “making decisions on how to keep everyone safe and finding creative ways to continue programs like meals and AA meetings. The need for support and connection did not stop, particularly for those who are challenged with homelessness and economic insecurity.” Programs continued to engage many constituents through virtual meetings and support groups. Partners used the Community Kitchen to prepare up to 1,000 lunches-to-go each week during the pandemic, that were distributed to homeless shelters, tent cities, and low-income individuals and families. Michelle Cruz, Trinity Rep’s director of community engagement, recalls the disappointment of the March 16 cancellation, just as the partnership with 134 Collaborative was gathering strength. “We’d been talking about ways to make our relationship more robust, with the connection with Tenderloin Opera Company as well as the extended homeless population. Yet what grew out of the cancellation was quite powerful,” she says. “134 Collaborative had to shut down their in-house meals, and were handing out lunch-to-go at Kennedy Plaza and beyond. I noticed Mathewson Street Church’s Sunday Friendship Breakfast volunteers distributing meals, and many of the homeless folks didn’t have masks. Karen agreed that was a definite need.” Within weeks, Michelle
PHOTO BY MARISA LENARDSON
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
delivered 40 masks made by Amanda Downing Carney, Trinity Rep’s costume shop director. “We were so grateful for the donation of Amanda’s masks,” Karen recalls. “It was a wonderful neighborly gesture. Particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, not all who came to our front doors had access to a mask. It was a tremendous help to know that we had a supply of masks that we could pass on, and keep everyone safe.” “Cheers to 134 Collaborative, for all the work they’ve done for a vulnerable population in a desolate downtown,” Michelle says. “We’re humbled by their work, and proud to call them a community partner.” In December, Karen and the Tenderloin Opera Company participated in A Christmas Carol 2020’s online community sing. “It was such a fun and innovative way to engage the community during the pandemic,” Karen says. “We were reminded of Tenderloin’s performance in A Christmas Carol in 2017, as one of many community groups. Personally, I was drawn to participate as a way to feel more connected to my community in a time of disconnect and isolation.” As downtown reopens, Michelle and Karen plan new collaborations to occur after Trinity Rep welcomes audiences to the theater again in November. “I’m grateful for Trinity’s inclusiveness of people from all backgrounds and walks of life,” Karen says. “The arts can bring people together and be a healing power to change lives. Thank you, Trinity Rep, for being a great neighbor!”
Thank you Trinity Rep and your fans for showing us the power of the arts to generate compassion! rifoodbank.org | facebook.com/ricfb THE TRINITY SQUARE • SUMMER 2021
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