Celebrate Connections
An Inclusive Monthly Social Series at Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts
Location: Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts - 176 2nd Street, St. James, NY.
Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts is proud to introduce Celebrate Connections, a new inclusive monthly social series designed to bring individuals of all abilities together in a welcoming, creative, and supportive environment.
Celebrate Connections provides meaningful opportunities for social engagement, creativity, and community involvement — especially for teens and young adults seeking connection beyond the school years.
Celebrate Connections provides meaningful opportunities for social engagement, creativity, and community involvement — especially for teens and young adults seeking connection beyond the school years.
What to Expect
Each month features a unique theme that may include:
- 🎤 Karaoke
- 🎨 Art activities
- 🎲 Interactive games & trivia
- 🍕 Pizza & refreshments
- 🤝 Structured and unstructured social time
Why Celebrate Connections Matters
For many young adults, social opportunities significantly decrease after graduation. Celebrate Connections was created to help bridge that gap by offering:
- Consistent monthly programming
- A safe and supportive social space
- Opportunities to practice communication and teamwork
- Leadership and responsibility-building experiences
- A community where every individual feels valued and included
Membership & Attendance
Cost per Social: $20 per person
(Includes pizza and refreshments)
Membership Required:
Initially, individuals of all ages are invited as we gauge community interest. If participation is strong across age groups, future sessions may be divided into teen and adult groups to best serve participants.
(Includes pizza and refreshments)
Membership Required:
- Teen Membership (Ages 15–17): $10 per year
- Individual Membership (18+): $50 per year
Initially, individuals of all ages are invited as we gauge community interest. If participation is strong across age groups, future sessions may be divided into teen and adult groups to best serve participants.
Volunteer Opportunities
Celebrate Connections also introduces meaningful volunteer roles at the theater, including:
- Ushering
- Event setup and support
- Flyer distribution
- Raffle and 50/50 sales
- Additional event assistance roles
Program Leadership
Celebrate Connections is spearheaded by Tami Vitebski, Director of Programs and Education at Celebrate St. James Center for the Arts.
A CESP-certified Job Coach currently working at the Winters Center for Autism, Tami brings more than two decades of experience supporting children, adults, and individuals with autism and other social needs.
“After being approached by members of the community about the need for this type of program, I felt deeply committed to helping make it happen. I’ve witnessed how transformative consistent connection and community involvement can be. Our intention is to create a welcoming space where individuals build friendships, grow in confidence, and feel like they truly belong.”
A CESP-certified Job Coach currently working at the Winters Center for Autism, Tami brings more than two decades of experience supporting children, adults, and individuals with autism and other social needs.
“After being approached by members of the community about the need for this type of program, I felt deeply committed to helping make it happen. I’ve witnessed how transformative consistent connection and community involvement can be. Our intention is to create a welcoming space where individuals build friendships, grow in confidence, and feel like they truly belong.”
Sponsorship & Community Support
Celebrate St. James is actively seeking sponsors and donors to help sustain Celebrate Connections and continue restoration efforts of the historic Calderone Theatre — ensuring it remains a vibrant home for arts, education, and community engagement.
Interested in sponsoring or donating to keep the program going?
Interested in sponsoring or donating to keep the program going?
We also welcome local professionals who would like to give back. If you are an art instructor, dance instructor, or theater coach interested in donating your time and expertise, we would love to connect.
📧 Email: [email protected]
We also welcome local professionals who would like to give back. If you are an art instructor, dance instructor, or theater coach interested in donating your time and expertise, we would love to connect.
📧 Email: [email protected]
