SASKATOON – United Way Saskatoon and Area was proud to join the board and staff of Chokecherry Studios for the grand opening of their new space on Avenue B North and celebrate the organization’s fifth anniversary serving youth in inner city Saskatoon. As a show of their continued support, United Way provided $50,000 in unrestricted funding to Chokecherry.
“As a youth-led organization providing access to programming, services, and cultural supports in the inner city of Saskatoon, United Way is very happy to be able to provide funding to Chokecherry Studios,” said Sheri Benson, chief executive officer of United Way Saskatoon and Area. “The growth the organization has seen over the past five years is a testament to the need for this type of programming and the relevance of its delivery. Congratulations to the board and staff for a successful five years of service!”
Chokecherry’s former home on Avenue J South was sold, so there was some urgency in finding a new space. But beyond locating a new home and a larger space having the capacity to provide more services was a priority.
“The organization has experienced significant growth over the past five years,” said Andrea Cessna, executive director and co-founder of Chokecherry Studios. “Youth participation has increased by more than 1200%, 200% in the past few months alone, and our team has increased from one to ten. The new space provides the organization with a chance to continue to grow and better serve the over 600 youth accessing the studios.”
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