Community I S Awareness

Can you recall a young person passionate about the arts but lacking confidence or resources? Imagine the change we could create by helping these youths thrive.

Community I’s Awareness is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with nearly three years of impactful service to Alabama’s low-income and underserved youth. We excel at building partnerships and securing funding, and now we seek to expand our community and corporate support.

Our organization provides educational opportunities, essential life skills, and resources that empower young people to break cycles of poverty. Founded by Sheritha Ivy, a Black Native American woman, we prioritize inclusivity and representation.

We invite community members, local businesses, and civic leaders to support our mission to uplift Alabama’s next generation. With a dedicated space, we will establish our Community Awareness Center, featuring programs in Arts (Ceramic, Digital, Performing, Creative Expression) and Language Development (TEFL, Thai).

Our initiatives include U.S. internships focused on teaching English and arts-based educational entrepreneurship projects, along with collaborative skill-building sessions. Through these programs, participants will gain valuable experience and develop essential skills while supporting their peers.

Program Focus: Supporting Our Local Community Schools

Adopting an art classroom provides essential supplies, technology, and activities for teachers, creating a more engaging learning environment. Donors can choose a classroom to support through communityiawareness.com or DollarDays, with all donations being tax-deductible. This initiative addresses unmet classroom needs and strengthens community relationships.

Community I's Awareness Class Field Trips expose youth ages 7 to 21 to museums, gardens, theaters, and other cultural venues, fostering experiential learning and cultural awareness that inspire career interests and accessible education in history, science, and the arts.

Arts programs enhance academic achievement, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth. Participation in the arts is linked to improved academic performance, increased confidence, and greater empathy—key skills for success.

Youth art programs at local cultural venues promote creativity, self-expression, and confidence while supporting STEM/STEAM learning and career exploration. Children's museums help develop visual literacy, fine motor skills, and imaginative play, encouraging meaningful expression.

Ticket costs for a visit are as follows:

Museum of Art in Huntsville - http://www.hsvmuseum.org Students (5-11) $5.00, Seniors (60+) $10.00, Military ($10.00), Educators ($10.00), Adults ($12.00)The total is: $410.00

Children's Museums at Early Works - https://earlyworks.com/visit-our-museumsAn amalgamation of both - Constitution Hall Park

Student fee of $15.00, Adult fee of $12.00.

The total is: $420.00

Space & Rocket Center: Integrates art with science and innovation. Space & Rocket Center - https://www.rocketcenter.com/ There are three packages available.

Broadway Theatre: Public speaking, collaboration, and storytelling

Broadway Theatre & Lounge of Huntsville - https://broadwaytheatreleague.org/Free school shows, community shows, and student workshops.

The cost of group tickets ranges from $60 to $70 per person. Large groups can receive discounts.

Symphony Orchestra: Discipline, listening, and emotional depthSYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF HUNTVSILLE - http://www.hso.org/learn-engage/young-peoples-concert/2026

HUNTVSILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERT

Only 4th-grade students are permitted to attend these dates. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to join us for the FREE Family Concert.

Botanical Garden: Nature-inspired art and calming, creative spaces

Huntsville Botanical Garden - https://hsvbg.org/ Admission:

Child 3 to 15 yrs $13, Adult $20

The total is: $460.00 per event

Community I’s Awareness hopes to eliminate the cost of renting transport by obtaining three mini buses for student transport. The cost of obtaining a mini bus range:

New Mini School Buses

Average Range: $40,000 - $120,000+ for traditional Type A (mini) buses. Electric/Propane: Can be $80,000 to $130,000+. Overseas/Basic Models: Starting from $9,000 - $20,000+ on sites like Alibaba.

Used Mini School Buses

Typical Range: $10,000 - $40,000+, depending on age, condition, and mileage.Examples: A 2016 Ford E450 Shuttle Bus is listed at around $38,000, while older models can be found for under $20,000.

We charter our students through companies such as FirstCharter, CharterUp, and Huntsville Charter Bus.

School Bus (Basic): $55-$145 per hour (typically for simple, no-frills transportation). Mini Bus (15-25 Passengers): ~$150 - $200+ per hour, or potentially higher in busy markets like Huntsville/Madison, AL.Executive/Luxury Mini-Coach: ~$115 - $250+ per hour (more amenities).

Factors Influencing Cost:

Bus Size/Capacity: Smaller 15-18 passenger minibuses are generally more affordable than larger 25-30 passenger buses.Time of Year/Demand: Weekends, holidays, and peak seasons (like fall weddings) increase prices.

Trip Duration: Most companies have 4-hour minimums or charge by the day.Driver & Services: Fuel, driver gratuity (10-20%), tolls, and parking are often extra.

Location: Rates in Madison/Huntsville, AL, are competitive but can be higher than national averages.

Your generous support truly makes a difference for the youth we serve. By helping us reach ages 7 to 12, you encourage exploration and confidence, while for ages 13 to 21, you guide self-reflection and leadership. Our programs nurture essential skills and foster creativity, empowering these young individuals to thrive as engaged members of their communities. Thank you for being a part of their journey!