Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 12 Finalists for State’s Poetry Out Loud State Competition

Wilmington, Del. (February 8, 2023) – Following a three year hiatus, Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud State Finals returns for the first in-person competition since 2020. The recitation contest will be hosted at the Smyrna Opera House on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7:00pm. Twelve student finalists will compete for the opportunity to represent Delaware and advance to the National Finals in Washington, DC from May 8-10, 2023, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed. The event is FREE to the public and seating is limited.

At their school, students selected and recited works from an anthology of more than 1,200 poems. Their teachers or facilitators ran their school’s local Poetry Out Loud competition that then selected a winner to be moved on to the state finals.

 “Congratulations to the twelve talented and creative high school students who have been selected as semi-finalists in the 2023 Delaware Poetry Out Loud competition,” says Division Director Jessica Ball. “Your hard work and passion for the arts is truly inspiring. The arts play a critical role in creating well-rounded individuals, fostering imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills that are essential to success in all aspects of life. Keep up the great work and we can’t wait to see where your passion for the arts takes you in the future.”

The 2023 Delaware State semi-finalists are:

Bekah Booth, Delaware Valley Classical School

Maiss Hussein, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School

Emily Roth, MOT High School

Aiden Morris, Mount Sophia Academy

Lale Ergen, Newark Charter High School

Julia Nowaczyk, Padua Academy

Hunter Brown, Red Lion Christian Academy

Abigail Ehemann, Saint Mark’s High School

Kaylee Rathbone, Sanford School

Joelle Caternor, Smyrna High School

Morgan Burnett, Sussex Central High School

Ololade Olubowale, Tatnall School

Poetry Out Loud—presented in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and Poetry Foundation—is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.1 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.

The National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation have created free, standards-based curriculum materials to support Poetry Out Loud including a teacher’s guide, lesson plans, an online anthology, posters, and video and audio on the art of recitation. These resources are available for free at PoetryOutLoud.org.

The Delaware state champion will receive $200 and will advance to the national finals next spring where $50,000 in awards and school/organizational stipends will be distributed. The representing school or organization of the state champion will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for their school or organization. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded and travel arrangements for the Poetry Out Loud National Finals.

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.


Lt. Governor Hall-Long Announces the Purchase and Distribution of Care Infant Formula for Delaware Families

Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive a free 28.2 oz canister of Care infant formula starting Feb. 2 

 

NEWARK, DE – Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long announced today that the State of Delaware, in partnership with Donate Delaware, has purchased 44,000 canisters of Care Infant Formula from Gensco Pharma. Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive one 28.2 oz canister while supplies last. Canisters will be available for pickup starting February 2nd, at one of the distribution sites listed below and on the Lt. Governor’s website.

Click here for the FAQ.

Canisters of Care Infant Formula will be distributed to high-needs areas throughout Delaware. These areas were identified by using data from the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program. Through the program, DPH has identified communities with high-risk indicators such as high infant mortality, high premature birth rates, and other factors that affect women’s health and birth outcomes in Delaware.

Health experts expect that one canister of Care Infant Formula will last a few weeks depending on the age of the child. It is critical you follow the directions on the label for your child. If you have questions about formula use, please contact your pediatrician and visit the FDA’s website.

It is important that you do not water down formula. One 28.2oz canister will provide around 21.5 eight-fluid-ounce bottles. The average can of formula contains around 12.5oz, the canisters that will be distributed are 28.2oz.

“Governor Carney and I know that the issues people care about most are the ones that affect their everyday lives. The past few years have been tough due to the pandemic and the inflationary and supply chain pressures on families across the country,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I have been out in the community and heard from parents in all three counties of our state about how they are facing issues locating infant formula. Today, with this announcement, we are taking action to help ease the burden on young families in Delaware. I would like to thank Gensco Pharma, Donate Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware, and all our other community partners for the incredible work they put in to make this happen.”

“There’s nothing more important than supporting Delaware families, and this infant formula will go right to families that need it the most,” said Governor Carney. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Hall-Long and all of our partners for their hard work and dedication in delivering this much needed formula.”

“Donate Delaware and its partners are excited about this opportunity to provide infant formula to those mothers and families throughout the State who cannot afford or have a hard time finding it due to limited supplies,” said Dr. Robert Andrzejewski, CEO of Donate Delaware. “Donate Delaware wants to thank Governor Carney, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and their teams for allowing us to work on their behalf to distribute this infant formula statewide. We also want to thank Bank of America, the Food Bank of Delaware, Daniel Nalley, Dr. Paul Zimmerman, and the Gensco Pharma team for their generous support.”

“The past three years have been filled with so many struggles – especially for those living on limited incomes,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “Between the pandemic, high costs due to inflation, and a formula shortage, it seems there haven’t been many breaks for families. Despite obstacles, I am always hopeful that better days are ahead. The challenges we have seen over the past three years have shined a light on what a true state of neighbors we are. Here in Delaware, we work together – it’s the Delaware way… and it’s the only way. We are grateful for our partnership with the State of Delaware and Donate Delaware to be able to provide families in our community with this much-needed formula. I know it will be a relief to so many.”

“Henrietta Johnson Medical Center is pleased to be a formula distribution site. As a community health center, we are proud to partner with the State on this project,” said Shay Scott, CEO, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.

“We are grateful to our federal and state partners and their efforts to secure infant formula that will go a long way in helping our most vulnerable citizens thrive,” said Lolita Lopez, President & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare. “For nearly a year, Delaware families made tough choices so they can afford to nourish their babies and ensure their healthy development. In partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware, Westside’s Wilmington and Bear health centers will be an infant formula distribution site making access to formula available five days a week, including evening hours.”

“First State Community Action Agency is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Delaware to provide baby formula to families in the state of Delaware. The program adds support to those families in need and will be able to make sure their babies are fed and kept safe and healthy,” said Bernice Edwards, First State Community Action Agency Executive Director.

“The Delaware Regional Dream Center finds the forgotten and helps them build a firm foundation through our sustainable Community Outreach, Restoration, and Hunger Relief programs. We are truly thankful for this opportunity to provide baby formula to those Delaware families in need,” said Matthew Morrison, Executive Director of the Delaware Regional Dream Center. “Through this highly collaborative event, we look to unite the community members to become a beacon of light, a house of Hope in a world of pain.”

“Unfortunately for too long in American society we have had two vulnerable populations that being children and seniors,” said Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock, Pastor, New Canaan Baptist Church of Delaware. “The availability of quality baby formula will help to properly nourish our children and ease the stress level of mothers. Thank you Lt. Governor Hall-Long for your effective advocacy and leadership.”

“The ongoing baby formula shortage has been troubling for patient families and the community at large that needs this critical resource,” said Hal Byck, MD, Physician in Charge, Nemours Children’s Health, Jessup Street. “Nemours Children’s Health is proud to serve as a formula distribution site and partner with the state and the Food Bank of Delaware to provide access to this medical necessity.”

“The formula will be a great resource for the community,” said Dara DuPont, Deputy Director, Rose Hill Community Center. “Moms call the center all the time asking for help, and we are thankful we are able to help them meet the needs of their babies.  Partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware allows us to remain true to our mission.”

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Locations for Formula Distribution 

New Castle County

Boys & Girls Club – Darley Road 

  • 500 Darley Road, Wilmington, DE 19805
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club 

  • 669 S. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19805
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Delaware Regional Dream Center 

  • 310 Ruthar Drive, Suite 11, Newark, DE 19711
    • Friday: 10am-3pm

Food Bank of Delaware 

  • 222 Lake Drive
    Newark, DE  19702
    (Please enter through back entrance near the loading docks. Park in the spots near the loading dock and someone will come out to your vehicle!)
    • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
      7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays
      7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club  

  • 109 Glasgow Drive, Newark, 19702
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center  

  • 601 New Castle Ave, Wilmington, DE, 19801
    • Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm

Nemours- Jessup Street 

  • 1602 N. Jessup St. Wilmington, DE 19802
    • Monday: 1pm-4pm
    • Tuesday: 9am-11:30am
    • Wednesday:1pm-4pm
    • Thursday: 9am-11:30am
    • Friday: 9am-11:30am

New Canaan Baptist Church  

  • 3011 New Castle Ave, New Castle DE 19720
    • Monday-Friday: 5pm-8pm
    • Saturday: 9am-1pm

New Castle Boys & Girls Club 

  • 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Community Center  

  • 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720
    • Monday & Tuesday: 5pm-8pm
    • Saturday: 9am-1pm

St. Stephen’s Food Pantry  

  • 1301 N Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
    • Monday-Tuesday: 9am-12pm
    • Wednesday: 5pm-7pm
    • Thursday-Friday: 9am-12pm

West Side Health- 4th Street 

  • 1802 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805
    • Monday: 8am-9pm
    • Tuesday: 8am-5pm
    • Wednesday: 8am-5pm
    • Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm
    • Friday: 8am-5pm

West Side Health- Bear  

  • 404 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear, DE 19701
    • Monday: 8am-9pm
    • Tuesday: 8am-5pm
    • Wednesday: 8am-5pm
    • Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm
    • Friday: 8am-5pm

 

Kent County 

Food Bank of Delaware- Milford 

  • 140 Mullet Run (the building is behind 120 Mullet Run)
    Unit E Milford, DE  19963
    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
      7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday and Thursday
      7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

Milford Boys & Girls Club  

  • 101 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club 

  • 240 E. Commerce Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Sussex County  

Dagsboro Boys & Girls Club  

  • 28154 Lighthouse Crossing, Unit 2, Dagsboro, DE 19939
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Growing Tree Preschool- Boys & Girls Club  

  • 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Unit 3, Millboro, DE, 19966
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

First State Community Action 

  • 308 N. Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE 19947
    • Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

La Red Health Center 

  • 21444 Carmean Way, Georgetown, DE 19947
    • Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm
    • Friday: 8am-4:30pm
    • Saturday: 8am-11:30am

Rehoboth Beach Boys & Girls Club 

  • Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club  

  • 310 Virginia Avenue, Seaford, DE 19973
    • Monday – Friday
      7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Lt. Governor Hall-Long Announces the Release of the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee Final Report

WILMINGTON, DE – Following the release of Governor Carney’s recommended budget, including increased investments in early childhood education, and the work of the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee –  Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long was joined by members of the General Assembly, child care providers, and advocates to announce the release of the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee Final Report.

 

The final report includes the following recommendations:

  • Promote collaboration and coordination through an aligned governance structure.
  • Increase program access, particularly for marginalized communities.
  • Prioritize meaningful investments in early childhood.
  • Support and uplift the early childhood workforce.

 

“Children are born ready to learn. By investing in our youngest learners we are investing in their most critical years of brain development, better preparing them for lifelong success, and giving families the opportunity to return to the workplace knowing their children are in high-quality learning environments,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “As co-chair of the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee, I am excited to see the positive impacts of the committee’s recommendations. We know the data is clear, critical investments early in a child’s development lead to better academic and life outcomes. Giving children the foundation they need and empowering the workforce that cares for them, strengthens our state’s economy and our future.”

 

“This report maps the change that is possible as we move to a new stage of action in Delaware’s early childhood landscape. Our early childhood professionals are essential to families who need reliable, affordable childcare and support. Our children need to experience nurturing interactions in environments free from toxic stress to positively impact their development and well-being. Our system must respond to what we know. We need to be the village that our children and families deserve,” said Caitlin Gleason, Associate Secretary, Early Childhood Support.

 

“Under Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long’s leadership, the Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee has produced a thoughtful roadmap for ensuring the success of Delaware’s young children,” noted Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “While the challenges facing the early childhood sector aren’t unique to Delaware, the leadership assembled around their resolution puts the state on strong footing and well ahead of the national curve. We look forward to continuing to support the state as it works to translate the Committee’s recommendations into practice.”

 

“The Latin American Community Center is excited about the release of the Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee’s Report today,” said Karen Hartz, Latin American Community Center Director of Facilities & Early Childhood Services.  “The LACC has been focused on providing comprehensive early childhood education services for many years. We look forward to hearing the state’s plans to bring comprehensive services to more of Delaware’s children and families.”

 

“Investments in early education are necessary to support working families and to promote early learning and literacy. By ensuring our most vulnerable families have access to childcare, we move closer to providing an equitable start for all Delaware’s children,” said Senator Kyle Evans Gay. “But early education is also critical infrastructure, and these investments will support our economy and workforce. I applaud the Governor for his continued commitment to local economic success and making Delaware the best state to raise kids.”

 

“As a parent with two children that had a developmental delay, I know from this experience how crucial early learning is for our children’s lives,” said Representative Kim Williams, Chair of the House Education Committee. “The support for legislation like HS1 for HB 33, a bill that I sponsored which will increase basic pre-k special education funding is just one step towards quality services for all our children. This report shows how we can continue that path forward in providing accessible early childhood education for working families throughout our state. I commend Governor Carney & Lt. Gov. Hall-Long for their commitment and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this issue.”

 

Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, whose District includes the Latin American Community Center, stated, “I am thrilled to see the increased focus and investments in early education for the State of Delaware. It is an honor to stand by the Lt. Governor, my legislative colleagues, and the incredible advocates who have championed for the advancement of early education for years. I am eager to continue to push for quality and equitable early education, which will lead to a brighter future for our youngest Delawareans.”

 

“The earliest years of a child’s life are critical for their future development. Parents and childcare workers know this, and now employers and policy makers are beginning to pay attention,” said Senator Laura Sturgeon. “Delaware is poised to become THE state to raise children, and I am proud to be joined by Lt. Gov Hall-Long, community partners, advocates, and my fellow colleagues to ensure high quality childcare and Pre-Kindergarten is accessible to every working parent.”

 

“The work of the Advisory Committee aligns with the Delaware Early Childhood Council strategic plan and reinforces key priorities including investing in the workforce, streamlining funding and programs to better serve families, and increasing access for more families.  We thank the Lt. Governor for her leadership, and we are excited to work advance our shared commitment to early educators and young children,” stated Madeleine Bayard, Chair, Delaware Early Childhood Council.

 

“Collaborative initiatives in early care and education that include families, providers, support agencies, and elected officials are positively impacting families and children across the state,” said Jamie Schneider, President, Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children.  “Prioritizing funding and systems of early care and education is a catalyst for advances in education equity, economic growth, long term academic success, and reduction of social welfare programs.  We are setting a foundation for Delaware’s future by investing in and supporting families and our youngest learners.”

 

To view the full report click here: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/early-childhood-education/


Delaware Officials Provide Latest Updates, Underscore Urgency Surrounding Increased Overdose Deaths in the State

NEWARK (Jan. 18, 2023) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, along with top leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), led a community response briefing to provide the latest information about suspected drug overdose deaths in the state, current and emerging dangers of illicit drug use, and a clear call to action to reduce overdose deaths through collaboration and innovative programs.

In 2021, Delaware reported 515 overdose deaths, an increase of more than 15% over 2020, according to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science (DFS). In Kent County, overdose deaths increased 74% from 50 in 2020 to 87 in 2021. DFS also reported that 425 of the 515 deaths involved fentanyl, a synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

“As a nurse, Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, and Lt. Governor, I hear every day from Delawareans and their families about the challenges they face battling substance use disorder and receiving the treatment services they so desperately need,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “We are working hard across our systems to expand access and connect individuals to quality treatment services. In 2020, Delaware was one of only four states to experience a decrease in the rate of overdose deaths thanks to the hard work of those who are committed to this fight. Still, too many families have an empty seat at the table because their loved one lost the battle to substance use disorder. The current data is alarming. We have to do even more to support them and ensure critical treatment and recovery services are ready and available, and to stop the loss. Delawareans deserve a behavioral health system that works for everyone.”

During the event, DHSS’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) announced the establishment of the Opioid Response Center, which will soon utilize overdose incident data to dispatch targeted community outreach teams who will distribute Narcan and share information about how individuals can get help if they are struggling with addiction. The center is also planning to provide follow-up outreach to community members who have overdosed but who refused subsequent medical care.

DSAMH Director Joanna Champney underscored the sense of urgency among state leadership regarding opioid overdoses and introduced plans to hold quarterly briefings going forward to keep the public informed about the State’s ongoing work to reduce overdoses and respond to the opioid epidemic.

“With overdose deaths continuing to rise, we must escalate our sense of urgency through regular and targeted discussions about the emerging dangers so people know exactly how they can get help.” Champney said.

Nathaniel McQueen, Secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security spoke of the agency’s commitment to reducing opioid deaths and pointed to the importance of collaboration among agencies and community partners.

“It is our hope that by increasing awareness of the great work done across our state and providing our citizens with data and resources associated with these programs, it will spark a call to action so that we are all better informed and can collectively join the efforts to combat substance use disorder, ultimately reducing the number of overdose deaths in Delaware,” said Secretary McQueen.

According to John Evans, Director of the Division of Forensic Science, preliminary reports show that there were 406 confirmed overdose deaths in the first three quarters of 2022, with approximately 124 suspected overdose deaths still pending final testing from the last quarter of 2022. This compares to 374 confirmed overdose deaths in the first three quarters of 2021.

“Unfortunately, the number of accidental drug overdose deaths occurring in the State has seen a 19% increase over the last three years,” said Evans. “Fentanyl continues to be the most frequently found compound, with it being identified in 82.5% of the overdose deaths. If you are a white male between the ages of 30-59, you are the most likely to die in our state as the result of a drug overdose.”

Captain Joshua Bushweller, Intelligence Commander and Director of the Delaware Intelligence and Analysis Center (DIAC) at the Delaware State Police shared that more than 5,000 drug related crime incidents occurred in 2022, with 19% being cocaine related, 19% heroin related, 3% methamphetamine, 2% hallucinogen., 2% amphetamine, 1% opium, and 3% other. Marijuana comprised 32% and paraphernalia 19%. New Castle County continues to have the highest incidence of opioid crime incidents compared to the other counties. Capt. Bushweller displayed a heatmap showing drug incident hotspots, calling attention to the top five cities with drug incidents in the last five years. The cities in order of prevalence are Wilmington, Dover, Newark, New Castle, and Seaford.

“The Delaware Information and Analysis Center remains committed, determined, and focused with our partners in reducing drug overdoses in Delaware,” said Bushweller. “We understand substance use disorder not only affects its victims, but their families and our communities are deeply impacted as well. The DIAC will continue to strive to serve as a meaningful partner by providing real time data, thorough analysis, and quality feedback to the various stakeholders as we collectively work together towards a healthier Delaware.”

Brent Waninger, DSAMH’s Director of Programs and Grant Administration, provided updated information on the state’s Police Diversion Program, a partnership between Delaware State Police and DSAMH. Individuals who are arrested with certain drug-related offenses are offered the option of meeting with a DSAMH representative who offers information about entering a substance use treatment program. Individuals who agree to enter treatment are eligible to be diverted from prosecution. Waninger was flanked during the briefing by clinicians and peers from DSAMH who are embedded at Delaware State Police Troop locations statewide, as well as State Police personnel instrumental in the program’s launch.

“These are some of the friendly faces who stand ready to talk with you about treatment, said Waninger. These are the people whose commitment, work ethic, real-life experience, and personal compassion have ensured that of the more than 1,000 referrals the PDP has connected with, nearly 40% have accepted the program, and of those, almost 70% were successfully connected to treatment services.”

Dr. Greg Wanner, Chief Physician for the Division of Public Health, provided a demonstration of the use of fentanyl test strips that are now included in the Narcan kits being distributed. The test strips are highly sensitive and will detect fentanyl down to 0.1 mcg/ml.

“The use of fentanyl test strips is an important part of a comprehensive harm reduction strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the state,” said Dr. Wanner. “Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Delaware. The test strips are a preventive measure. After a test strip detects fentanyl, an individual can choose not to use the drug based on the additional risk. We will continue to discourage drug use and encourage people to seek treatment, but for persons with substance use disorder, we are using a compassionate approach to help raise awareness and empower those individuals to make informed choices.”

Brandywine Counseling and Community Services CEO Dr. Lynn Morrison discussed community outreach efforts happening across the state, including their various drop-in centers as well as Outreach Packs that are available for distribution increase in several programs including distributing Naloxone statewide, providing access to their mobile treatment and syringe services, and providing technology-based behavioral interventions.

“Recovery, hope, empowerment, and innovation – those concepts are what we must embrace every day if we want to tackle the overdose crisis in our communities,” said Dr. Morrison. “By intensifying our boots-on-the-ground approach to high-risk communities, we are confident we can reach those who need our services and support. Brandywine Counseling and Community Services has always been a welcoming and innovative organization – and we are determined to build stronger communities, by giving hope –and help – to the most vulnerable among us.”

DHSS Cabinet Secretary Molly Magarik closed the briefing with a call to action, encouraging Delawareans who need support – whether they are actively using substances or not – to reach out to trusted sources for help.

“We’re urging people who are struggling with addiction to consider different paths towards help,” said Secretary Magarik. “You can ask for the Police Diversion Program if you get in trouble with the law and are ready to get help. You can visit HelpIsHereDE.com to get information about Bridge Clinics where you can walk in and talk to someone who is in recovery themselves and who can help you explore your options for treatment. You can order fentanyl test strips from HelpisHereDE.com so you know what’s in the drugs you’re using and so you can make smart choices about protecting yourself. And you can connect with Brandywine Counseling’s drop-in centers to get help.”

To help address behavioral health needs of Delawareans, DHSS has several ways for individuals or their family members to connect:

  • Call the 24/7 Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or 1-833-946-7333 – a single point of contact in which callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance.
  • Stop by one of DHSS’ Bridge Clinics for an in-person assessment.
  • Visit TreatmentConnection.com to find out which treatment providers are located near you.
  • Visit HelpIsHereDE.com, DHSS’ one-stop website where Delawareans can search for treatment services and resources in Delaware or nearby states.
  • Call 988 if the individual is in crisis and needs immediate support.
  • Call 911 if someone has overdosed and needs emergency medical attention.
  • Learn where to find Narcan training, get the medication through the mail, and download the OpiRescueDE App here.


FY2024 Delaware Division of the Arts Grant Applications for Arts & Community-Based Organizations and Schools Now Open

For arts programming and projects taking place during
fiscal year 2024 (September 2023 – August 2024)

 

Wilmington, Del. (December 2, 2022) – The Delaware Division of the Arts has opened its annual online application process for grants for arts programming and projects taking place during fiscal year 2024 (September 2023 – August 2024). Applications will be submitted through the smARTDE online system and are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, March 1, 2023.

The guidelines for all grant programs are available online at arts.delaware.gov/grant-overview. Past and new applicants should read the guidelines carefully as updates may have been made and contact Division staff with any questions. A list of the Division staff members who manage the grants process, including their responsibilities and contact information, is available at the end of this release.

In FY23, the Division of the Arts awarded 115 grants for a total of $2.9 million to eligible Delaware based organizations.  You can read more here.

New to smARTDE? View the login instructions for smARTDE and watch the 30-minute demonstration video.

New Requirement This Cycle: Organization grant applications require a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Obtaining your UEI could take a minimum of 30 days. Read more about obtaining a UEI to begin the process today. CLICK HERE

Below are the Division’s grants programs and their respective deadlines. Please visit arts.delaware.gov/grant-overview/ to access the full guidelines for each program and a description of the grant review process. Some organizational grants are available throughout the year on a rolling deadline basis. 

 

Grants for Delaware Arts Organizations:

General Operating Support (GOS) – support of annual operating expenses to ensure that year-round participation in the arts is available to the people of Delaware. This grant category utilizes a three-year application cycle. Full applications are due every three years, with Interim Applications due in the “off” years. March 1 deadline.

Arts Stabilization Fund (ASF) – support for improvements to facilities owned (or under long-term lease) and operated by the organization. ASF grants are funded through the Division’s participation in the Arts Consortium of Delaware, Inc. (ArtCo) endowment. March 1 deadline.

Education Resource (EDR) – grants to strengthen standards-based arts education projects, programs, and activities that utilize the arts education resources of the Delaware arts community or strengthen arts organizations’ capacity to serve as professional development resources for teaching artists and educators. March 1 deadline.

StartUp – financial support, training, and consultation to develop and strengthen the management capacity of emerging arts organizations, or those new to the Division, so that they can operate in a sustainable manner. Completion of the StartUp program is a prerequisite for emerging organizations seeking General Operating Support. Letter of intent due January 15. If LOI accepted, March 1 deadline.

Arts Access – provides up to $1,000 to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state. Rolling deadline.                        

 

Grants for Delaware Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):

Project Support – support of arts programs provided by CBOs that assist in the growth of a vibrant cultural environment by encouraging the continued development of arts activities in communities throughout the state. March 1 deadline.

Arts Access – provide up to $1,000 to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state. Rolling deadline.

 

Grants for Delaware Schools and School Districts:

Artist Residency – grants for residencies with visual, literary, performing or media artists working with students in the classroom or in professional development workshops with teachers. Rolling deadline.

Education Resource (EDR) – grants to strengthen standards-based arts education projects, programs, and activities that utilize the arts education resources of the Delaware arts community or strengthen arts organizations’ capacity to serve as professional development resources for teaching artists and educators. March 1 deadline.

TranspARTation – grants that support transportation costs up to $500 per field trip for schools to travel to Delaware arts and cultural institutions and venues for students to attend arts performances, events, and exhibits. Rolling deadline.

 

Grants for Delaware Individual Artists:

Artist Fellowship – support of individual artists in their work as visual, performing, media, folk, and/or literary artists. Download the smARTDE Instructions to learn how to log in and navigate the system. Application opens Spring 2023 with an August 1 deadline.

Artist Opportunity Grant – grants up to $1,000 in support of individual artists with unique professional and artistic development or presentation opportunities. Quarterly deadlines.

 

For questions regarding any of these programs, please contact the appropriate Division contact below:


Staff Role Grant Types Phone Number
Kathleen Dinsmore
kathleen.dinsmore@delaware.gov
Organization Support General Operating Support, Arts Access and StartUp Grants 302-577-8287
Leeann Wallett
leeann.wallett@delaware.gov
Community Engagement Project Support Grants 302-577-8282
Sheila Dean Ross
sheila.ross@delaware.gov
Arts Education & Accessibility Education Resource, Artist Residency, and TranspARTation Grants 302-577-8286
Roxanne Stanulis
roxanne.stanulis@delaware.gov
Artist Programs & Services Artist Fellowship and Artist Opportunity Grants 302-577-8283
Jessica Ball
jessica.ball@delaware.gov
Director Arts Stabilization Fund 302-577-8278

 

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

 

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications
302-577-8280, Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov