Stories

Nonprofit Collaboration Feature:
Madison House of the Arts and The UP Foundation

written by Alyssa Wilson, University of Lynchburg Bonner Intern

Madison House of the Arts and The UP Foundation, two of SHARE Greater Lynchburg’s nonprofit partners, are coming together to help a common cause that they are both passionate about - youth drug and alcohol recovery and prevention. 

The UP Foundation, founded by Dr. James Stewart, is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing support services to young people recovering from drug abuse and mental health disorders. 

Similarly, Madison House of the Arts provides a safe, sober space where young people can come and express themselves through art and music. 

Both of these organizations have similar missions and ideals, so they have partnered together to cultivate a new program for young people. 

“When Dr. Stewart approached the Madison House of the Arts about working with the Up Foundation, I knew in my heart it would be empowering for all of our youth involved as well as our organizations,” says Executive Director Christopher Townsend. 

Stewart, with the help of Madison House, put together an empowering campaign for youth to discover and improve their self-confidence through positive affirmations, games and art activities. 

In addition to this, the UP Foundation is also providing youth with knowledge and teachings about the dangers of drugs, vaping and alcohol through the power of the arts. 

‘Madison House of the Arts is so happy to work with a passionate leader like Dr. Stewart that believes in our mission to accept youth as they are and love them as much as our organization does no matter where they are on their life’s journey,’ says Townsend.

The Up Foundation youth are preparing a small  showcase with Madison House Of The Arts for its First Friday Art and Music Show September 2nd, 2022 at Madison House. 

The youth will highlight work that is an expression of their emotions and experiences they completed over the summer. Please join the UP Foundation and Madison House to celebrate young artists and their voices.

There will be two musical guests, “Dj Breakfast” and “Byakko”, performing spoken word in addition to performance pieces put on by the youth.

The First Fridays event is Friday, Sep 2 from 6-10pm at Madison House of the Arts, 607 Madison Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504.