Carol Couillard, Paper Discovery Center

By: Carol Couillard
Development Director, Paper Discovery Center

An education filled with science, technology, engineering, art and math (STE(A)M) is crucial in today’s schools, and, more importantly, in our community. However, keeping up is hard for kids recovering from domestic abuse, who often test lower than their peers, and are less likely to finish school.

Thanks to a $2,836 Bright Idea Fund grant from the Community Foundation, we can fund monthly science nights at the Paper Discovery Center for residents of Harbor House, a domestic abuse shelter in Appleton.

Science nights are planned using fun themes, like Rockets and Space and Candy Science. Children and their protective parent receive hands-on practice in basic science skills with Paper Discovery Center educators.

A child participating in Paper Discovery Center science night.

“Our families get to connect with each other in a positive way and spend quality time with each other. Something they probably have not done for some time while living in an abusive situation,” said Jennifer Schunk, Children and Youth Advocate for Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs.

Aside from the hands-on learning and quality time with their families, kids also receive a photo. Often when kids have to leave their homes because of domestic abuse, they leave behind most of their belongings, as well. This photo is a memento of a happy time that they can display at Harbor House.

As a result of the program’s success, the Paper Discovery Center is searching for other nonprofits who would like to participate in similar collaborations.

Harbor House science nights will continue at the Paper Discovery Center through May 2019.

If you or your organization is interested in collaborating with the Paper Discovery Center, please contact Development Director, Carol Couillard at [email protected]

You can make the Bright Ideas burn even brighter by adding your support.

Check out our current Bright Idea Fund results from 2018 – 2019!
See how our Bright Idea Fund impacted our community last year.