Artreach, Inc

Artreach, Inc. is a Norwich, CT based mental health and arts 501(c)3 nonprofit. Artreach provides creative arts classes and performing opportunities for adults who have experienced psychiatric disorders such as manic depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. A recovery-based organization, Artreach believes that Creativity Heals. Our activities are designed to bring meaning to people's lives; to support the recovery of our members; and to reduce the negative stereotyping often experienced by people who have mental illnesses. Artreach's theater troupe, The Second Step Players, and stand up comedy troupe, Comic Alchemy, perform locally and nationally. The actors and comedians serve as mental health ambassadors who reduce stigma while entertaining through humor. Artreach's music program offers a weekly jazz jam group for intermediate musicians and a Music Showcase rehearsal process, with two house bands culminating in a multi-night public performance in the community. Artreach hires local talent to teach classes in playwriting; improvisation; sketch comedy and stand up comedy writing and performance; acting technique; visual arts, and music. Artreach's podcast (new in 2017) is called "Because Creativity Heals: An Arts and Health Podcast." You can find the podcast on iTunes and Podbean. In addition to Artreach's creative arts programs, there is Work Hard/Play Hard, a wellness and recreation/socialization program that supports members to participate in their community with good citizenship while reducing the social isolation that often limits our program members' full enjoyment of and participation in their community.