The South Bend Civic Theatre is proud to announce a new partnership with Everwise Credit Union as the presenting sponsor of CIVIC Youth Company Cares, an outreach initiative that gives CIVIC Youth Company students the opportunity to share their creativity, compassion and talents with children and seniors throughout the Michiana community.
The partnership with Everwise will allow CIVIC to continue growing the program, expanding its reach and providing students with even more opportunities to practice the values at the heart of CIVIC Youth Company: Creativity, Curiosity, Compassion, Civility and Collaboration.
Since 2020, the CIVIC Youth Company has partnered with Beacon Children’s Hospital, making monthly visits as well as special holiday visits to spend time with children and their families. Students entertain, create crafts and interact with the children, creating moments of joy and connection during their time at the hospital.
The program has also expanded its outreach to area retirement communities, giving students the opportunity to engage with older adults through performances, crafts and conversation.
“CIVIC Youth Company is about so much more than learning how to perform on stage,” said Josh Napierkowski, Director of Education at South Bend Civic Theatre. “The foundation of our training is the CIVIC 5 Cs: creativity, curiosity, compassion, civility and collaboration. We strive to instill those values, along with the skills of servant leadership, in every student. Through CIVIC Youth Company Cares, our students have the opportunity to put those values into action. We’re developing not only professional artists, but the artists and leaders of tomorrow.”
With Everwise Credit Union’s support, CIVIC will be able to build on the program’s existing foundation and reach more children and seniors throughout the community. The sponsorship will also increase CIVIC's ability to provide age-appropriate keepsakes, adding another element of connection and generosity to each experience.
“CIVIC Youth Company Cares gives our students a chance to take what they’re learning and use it to make a real connection with someone else,” said Amelia Claeys, Director of Outreach. “Whether they’re visiting a child at Beacon Children’s Hospital or spending time with residents at a local retirement community, our students are learning that their creativity can be a gift. These experiences build confidence, compassion and a sense of responsibility while reminding our students that theatre has the power to bring people together.”
For Everwise Credit Union, the partnership represents an opportunity to support the youth of our community while strengthening connections across generations.
“Everwise is proud to support CIVIC Youth Company Cares and the opportunity it creates for young people to give back to their community,” said Everwise VP of Marketing Trisha Smith. “We believe in investing in programs that help young people grow, connect with others and discover the impact they can make. CIVIC’s commitment to developing compassionate, creative and engaged young people makes this partnership a natural fit for Everwise.”
CIVIC Youth Company Cares provides a unique opportunity to experience the impact of giving back firsthand. Through their interactions with children and seniors, students develop confidence, empathy and leadership skills while discovering that their creativity can make a difference in someone else's day.
The program is an extension of CIVIC's broader mission to make theatre an experience that connects people both on and off the stage, and to prepare young people to become engaged, compassionate members of their communities.
About CIVIC Youth Company
CIVIC Youth Company serves students in grades 5–12 and provides comprehensive training in theatre arts through classes taught by working professionals and award-winning educators. Students explore multiple aspects of theatre while developing skills in creativity, collaboration, communication and leadership.
About Everwise Credit Union
Everwise Credit Union is Indiana’s largest Credit Union with more than $5 billion in assets, over 50 branches throughout Indiana and southwest Michigan, and more than 300,000 members. Everwise offers traditional financial services including checking, savings, mortgages, and credit cards, as well as wealth management services. Since its founding in 1931, Everwise has focused on making a positive impact on its members and the community. Everwise Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal opportunity lender. For more information, visit everwisecu.com.