Ask nonprofit workers what they like about their jobs, and most will point to the impact of their organizations. That’s true for Kate Powell, executive director of Tidewater Arts Outreach. This sentiment came to life recently when Powell read a program survey from a local community partner.
As part of its artist roster, Tidewater Arts Outreach sent a magician into an assisted living community. Among the audience of older adults, one woman watched in awe. After the show, she approached the magician with a smile and said, “You just made me feel like a little girl again.” “Feedback like that makes everything worth it,” Powell says. “It’s the reason I love this work.”
Based in Norfolk, Tidewater Arts Outreach is an arts and human services organization. Its work brings joy and enhances the well-being of older adults and those living in isolating circumstances through creative engagement with the arts. Its service area extends from Williamsburg to the North Carolina border and as far west as Franklin, Virginia. The organization partners with a diverse network of artists across disciplines — literary arts, visual arts and performing arts — to provide programs in assisted living facilities, day support centers, rec centers, hospitals, hospices and libraries.
Founded in 2004 by musician MaryAnn Toboz, Tidewater Arts Outreach began with a simple yet powerful idea: to use the arts to brighten the lives of older and isolated adults. Today, the organization is led by Powell, who has served as executive director for five years.
Powell is a seasoned nonprofit professional with a rich background in music and public administration. She is a deep believer in community involvement, serving in a variety of positions including board member of Tidewater Friends of Foster Care and chair of Old Dominion University’s Master of Public Administration Advisory Board. Outside of her work and volunteerism, she and her husband Marc serve as foster parents, adopt senior pugs and explore Hampton Roads’ food scene.
The organization typically reaches 5,000 to 6,000 individuals per year. In the last two years, it served 20,000 individuals. Powell emphasizes its person-centric, evidence-based solution. The pandemic made this especially clear, as isolation and loneliness became commonplace for everyone. In many ways, it brought the organization’s mission into focus. “Wasted pain is the worst pain,” Powell says. “We did not let the pain of the pandemic go to waste. Suddenly, people could relate with older adults experiencing isolation. It brought the core ideas of the organization to center stage, and we received greater buy-in.”
Like any nonprofit, Tidewater Arts Outreach experiences its challenges. Recently, the organization lost a considerable grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. The grant had three stages — program evaluation, strategic planning and fundraising planning — with an overarching goal of sustainability outside of government funding. The grant was halted at the fundraising planning stage; yet the organization is still committed to accomplishing the goals of the grant as it ultimately improves its capability and capacity.
Support for the organization comes in many forms. Currently, it is in search of a board member based in the Williamsburg area. “Volunteers are always needed, too,” Powell says. “Volunteers are assigned to a specific partner location, where they get to develop strong bonds with folks at that site as they witness a variety of artists visit the community. Since we like to send in new artists each time, a volunteer plays the vital role of being a consistent, familiar face. It makes a huge difference.”
Too, donors play a crucial role. A small monthly donation provides one hour of art programs. These contributions fuel the program and ensure that older adults receive engaging artistic experiences.
With two decades of work behind it, Tidewater Arts Outreach remains committed to adults in the community. It delivers meaningful connection and creativity with the knowledge that artistic expression can thrive at any age and in any circumstance.
TO THE POINT:
Tidewater Arts Outreach
Address: 809 Brandon Ave., Ste. 300, Norfolk, VA 23517
Contact: Kate Powell, executive director
Phone: 757-965-5155
Email: kate@tidewaterartsoutreach.org
