HHC Offers Community Residents First-Time Experience with Performing Arts Through "Summer Nights at SPAC" Program

Friday, July 2, 2021 -- Hometown Health Centers (HHC), a not-for-profit, federally qualified health center in Schenectady County, provided families in the neighborhoods it serves with the opportunity to experience the performing arts, thanks to a special outreach program offered by Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

The “Summer Nights at SPAC” program provides free transportation, a concession meal ticket and seating to hundreds of children and family members from underserved communities at select performances.

“A collaboration between Hometown Health and SPAC isn’t something that you’d typically think about,” said Hometown Health Centers CEO Joe Gambino. “Thanks to this special grassroots program, many neighborhood residents will have an unforgettable, first-time experience with the performing arts they might not otherwise have been able to afford.”

On Thursday, July 1, excited families boarded a bus at Hometown Health Centers’ headquarters, located at 1044 State Street, before heading to the Spa City to watch Walt Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”

Attendees were joined on the upcoming trip by HHC representative, Krissy Hines. “This was my first year coordinating on behalf of HHC," she said. "It was a wonderful to be able to witness their excitement and laughter. We are extremely grateful to SPAC for this opportunity.”

In 2017, the program’s first year, 500 families from various non-profit groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Northern Rivers Family of Services, Vanderheyden, CAPTAIN, and the Center for Economic Opportunity, took advantage of Summer Nights at SPAC. Interest in the program continues to grow.

For more information about Summer Nights at SPAC, please click here. For more information about Hometown Health Centers, please call (518) 370-1441 x4216 or visit hometownhealthcenters.org.

Photo Credit: Gary Gold Photography