Ohana School of Performing Arts Lends Support to Square One

SPRINGFIELD — The Square One family continues to expand, thanks to its latest partnership with Ohana School of Performing Arts.

Ohana owner Ashley Kohl and her team are volunteering monthly to visit preschoolers at the Square One Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center in Springfield. All 150 children will receive lessons in creative movement and dance.

“Studies have long pointed to the physical benefits of dance when it comes to keeping children fit and working to combat childhood obesity,” said Kristine Allard, chief development and communications officer for Square One. “More recent research also points to the benefits of dance from the standpoint of emotional, social, and cognitive development, which is a critical component of our work at Square One. We are truly grateful to the Ohana team for bringing this opportunity to Square One.”

The volunteer support comes in conjunction with Ohana’s recent gift of $1,000 to support Square One’s work with children and families.

“Ohana is incredibly honored to work with Square One, sharing our mission of inclusion and spreading peace and positivity through performance,” Kohl said. “We share a common goal: to build a better community. Dance brings happiness, smiles, laughter … this is our chance to continue to make a difference in the lives of children through the magic of movement.”