Crafts With Conviction

Crafts With Conviction (CWC) is a collaboration that began in February 2004 between the Lowell Correctional Institution and A Gift For Teaching. Volunteer inmates transform paper, poster board, felt, and other materials into flashcards, journals, maps, book bags and dozens of other educational and incentive items. Teachers "shop" for these products in the Free Store and give them to their students and classrooms at the area's neediest schools.To date, inmates have volunteered more than 140,150 community service hours producing more than $1.6 million worth of supplies from donated surplus, and AGFT has added a second partner with Marion Correctional Institute. As with all product donors, inmates receive thank you notes from teachers and students, and their self esteem improves knowing their time is well spent helping education.

Please view our video to hear personal testimonials from the volunteer inmates who take part in this program. 

School SmARTs

AGFT began School SmARTS in February 2006 thanks to the generosity of the Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation. Unfortunately when school budgets are slashed, often art programs are the first to go. School SmARTS is AGFT's effort to provide high-quality art supplies and curriculum to all Orange County art teachers in Title 1 schools and provide more than 17,000 low-income students with the opportunity to be taught “real art” techniques using these quality art materials.

Bikes For Kids

The Bikes for Kids program provides bicycles along with helmets and locks to underprivileged students in Central Florida schools as a reward for hard work and good behavior. Students earn points through hard work in academic progress, exemplary behavior, work habits and homework completion as well as bonus points for extra reading and book reports. Students that reach the most points will participate in a special awards ceremony held by local volunteers demonstrating bicycle skills and safety and receive their very own brand, new bike. For more information, please contact Donna Tucker at DTucker@nbs-c.com.