Clowns Without Borders first conducted a project on US soil in 2005. The work took two volunteers to Dallas, Texas and then across the state to El Paso. Most of the shows performed remain confidential to protect the identities of those served and took place in shelters and juvenile delinquent facilities. More US shows took place in Louisiana and Mississippi in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In 2009, a team performed for children attending inner city elementary schools in Washington D.C. We have performed at a VA Hospital in Philadelphia, outside the long line of a soup kitchen in East Oakland, and to train circus and clown to youth in West Oakland, CA. Volunteers have lead three more projects in Texas (San Antonio and Dallas) in 2015 and 2016. The projects in San Antonio focused on sharing joy and laughter with migrant youth living in shelters and for vulnerable populations living in the San Antonio area. The 2016 Dallas project focused on language-barrier-breaking, nonverbal workshops for immigrant youth and adult refugees who are relocating to the U.S.
The United States is a developed nation, but within its borders remain many who are vulnerable, at-risk and lack access to basic services. More than 16 million, or 22% of children in America live below the poverty line. When disasters strike, children are impacted greatly by the loss of property and possessions, possibly injury or death of loved ones, and by lapses in education. Cathartic release through laughter is needed across America. Play stimulates the imagination and has been linked to positive behavioral and emotional development in children and adults alike. Humor has been used to diffuse tense situations and bridge gaps in the community, such as was accomplished in the Louisiana and California projects. Our organization will continue its mission globally and within our own borders. For more information about how you can get involved, see our Take Laughter With You programming.
OUR WORK HERE
Here Since 2005
9043 People Served
11 Projects Completed
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