KBGCNA Helps Performing Arts Camp for Autism Students

Source: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announcement

AVON, Ohio – This year, Public Theatre of Kentucky (PTK), located in Bowling Green, is adding an inclusive summer camp to its roster of programs and is receiving help from Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America (KBGCNA).

In July, the theater will host the inaugural session of “Special Stages: Theatre Therapy Summer Intensive,” a performing arts and theater program designed for both students on the autism spectrum as well as their neurotypical and neurodiverse peers.

It’s a unique “theater as therapy” program that has earned the financial support of Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America, the U.S.-based arm of a philanthropic entity operated by Knorr-Bremse, based in Munich, Germany. The organization awarded the theater $30,000 in grant support to help fund the creation of the Summer Intensive program, make related facility updates, and support future theater initiatives.

Knorr-Bremse is the global market leader for braking systems and a leading supplier of other safety-critical rail and commercial vehicle systems. It’s also the parent company of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, whose Bowling Green manufacturing plant is a major employer in the region.

KBGCNA centers its investments on initiatives supporting youth, education, and underprivileged populations in the surrounding communities of Knorr-Bremse’s three largest North American companies: Bendix; Watertown, New York-based New York Air Brake; and Westminster, Maryland-based Knorr Brake Company.

“Awarding grant support to Public Theatre of Kentucky and its new Summer Intensive performing arts program is a project that promises to enrich the Bowling Green community in so many ways,” said Maria Gutierrez, president of KBGCNA and director of corporate responsibility and sustainability at Bendix. “This program will add needed resources and educational options for children who are on the autism spectrum as well as their neurotypical peers. This opens doors and gives students more experiences and opportunities to learn about the performing arts, and we’re very proud to offer our support toward this mission.”

To view the entire announcement, click HERE.