Community
Diversity Statement(s)
As an educational facility, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s foundation was created on the belief in inclusivity and equity of all children. Every child deserves a safe space to learn, grow and have fun. We are determined to make that happen.
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) is dedicated to creating an interactive community space that inspires curiosity, sparks imagination and nurtures discovery. Additionally, we believe that that the programs and services that we provide should be accessible to all children and their families.
Examples of how we take our statement from written to reality
1. Museums for All – a program to ensure access to the Museum for all community members. CMAS offers a discounted admission of $1.00 per person for up to four (4) individuals per EBT card.
https://childrensmuseums.org/about/acm-initiatives/museums-for-all
2. Give Play – This program allows the Children’s Museum to open its doors a little wider and embrace all members of the community by removing and reducing the financial and economic barriers that may prevent some children and their families from utilizing The Museum. This program includes free or reduced cost field trips or museum admissions for children from Title I schools, as well as members of our community who have the greatest needs.
3. Blue Star Museums – $2 off admission for Active Service Personnel and their families with active military ID.
4. Library Passes – Many of the public libraries in our area have memberships to CMAS that they make available to library patrons to check out and visit for free.
5. Making Connections – Our Spectrum Awareness program is an event held once every month (before the museum opens to the public). During these three hours, lights are dimmed, sounds are off, and we offer weighted vests and noise canceling headphones upon request. This is an inclusive event for all children with disabilities and their families to enjoy our museum without the over stimulation of the crowd and noise. Currently on hold
CMAS Pays It Forward
The following is a list of the current organizations we are helping or working with:
1. Educational Kits to Kids in Need – Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Region – CMAS is giving 4 weeks’ worth of educational at-home kits to over 600 children through our partnership with BGC. This effort is funded by REGENERON.
Capital Region YMCA- CMAS is giving 4 weeks of educational at-home kits to over 650 children through our partnership with the YMCA, This effort is funded by CAP COM and REGENERON.
2. SOS, Shelters of Saratoga – CMAS assists SOS by running food drives and making clothing and non-perishable donation drop-offs.
3. The Red Bookshelf – CMAS is home to a Red Bookshelf, where children can select a book of their own to read and keep! The Museum and the community also donate children’s books to the Red Bookshelf. Look for the bin at the Museum where you can donate any gently used children’s books (books for all ages and any reading level).
4. Toys for Tots – CMAS participates yearly in this holiday event hosting a box for donating toys to children in need. Look for the collection box in the lobby from November through December and drop off any new toys.
5. Mechanicville Snacks Initiative – CMAS helped collect food donations and educate elementary aged students with hands-on learning kits.
6. AIM – CMAS partners with AIM Services to give volunteer opportunities to adults with learning considerations. These adults, along with their job coach, volunteer once per week doing tasks like: filling education kits, stocking the gift shop, or helping in the CMAS gardens and in return they master skills that they can use in everyday life and for employment.
Community Giving
Why does a nonprofit like the Children’s Museum at Saratoga give to other nonprofits?
Because we are all working toward a similar mission to provide resources and uplift our community, especially those who are in the greatest need. The Museum donates over 20 free admission passes each month. The application link will be active when the program is available, or you can inquire at: info@cmssny.org.
Community Programming Request
The Museum is committed to giving education opportunities. Each month the Museum provides one education program to a local school or organization; this includes science fairs, STEM school nights, library programs, etc.
If your school or organization is interested in applying for a free fieldtrip or CMAS visit to you, please email education@cmssny.org with your request and the details of the event. Requests will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Generosity. If you want to help children and families in need by providing them free education programs, admission to the Museum, or hands-on education kits, then please donate. Money raised helps to provide free or reduced cost programs to children in the Capital Region. When we help children, we help the next generation of our neighbors, our future community leaders & the innovators of tomorrow.