It all started in 1985, when Marcia Berger, a Tucson pediatric physical therapist, started an after-school program called Third St. Kids. Her idea was simple: bring the performing arts into the lives of children with and without disabilities.
The following year, Steven L. Sles, founder of Arts for All, Inc., gave the nonprofit organization to Marcia. Since that humble beginning 36 years ago, our association has dedicated itself to delivering high-quality art education and experiences for children with and without disabilities and adults with disabilities. It’s done through innovative programs that combine the arts and human services, such as the Adult Day Program, Out-of-School Time, and Winter and Summer Arts Camps.
While other nonprofits have moved away from supporting this special-needs population, Arts for All, Inc. has stayed committed to helping those most in need. Physical, cognitive, and learning difficulties; vision and hearing impairments; emotional disturbances; mental illness; behavior issues; autism; and seizure disorders are among them.
It hasn’t been an easy path to travel year after year, but Marcia and our staff have remained committed to offering vital artistic experiences that would not otherwise be available. The devotion and efforts have paid off. Thousands of people’s lives have been improved, countless families have improved their health and well-being, and the Tucson community has benefited as a result.
