Interim Executive Director Twyla Simpkins
Being a retired CUSD teacher, community activist, collector, historian and CEOO of the Yes Center (the former YWCA Chester), Twyla capitalize on her varied experiences in continuing Nia’s purpose of serving the needs of children in Chester by helping them to ’discover possibilities thru the arts.’
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“Nia” means Purpose!
It is one of the Kwanzaa principles, and is embraced by the Nia Center as a guiding vision to improve and enhance the well-being and success of our community. Students are encouraged to express their own visions and discover what is possible through the arts! 
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ABOUT The NIA Center
Dear Friends and Community, On behalf of the children, families, staff and administrators of The Nia Center (TNC) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide artistic, educational, and cultural enrichment opportunities to the underserved children, youth and families of Chester Upland School Districit and vicinity. TNC, was incorporated in 2004 and coordinates events and activities year round; After School Programs, Summer Camps, and also the Will Trippley Mentoring Program in cooperation with the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA. The Nia Center is a proud founding member of the Chester Youth Collaborative, recognized as the premier resource for quality youth programs for the city. Preschools, Senior Centers and local residents also participate in many of Nia Center events, providing cultural enrichment services for all ages whose purpose is community development where children learns to view the world as a place filled with possibilities and hope. Nia returned to its former site on the historic Ruth L. Bennett Property at Second and Reaney Streets after the final renovations were completed by PennDot in June of 2014. Due to extensive building repairs, TNC vacated the property and used several spaces throughout the city in order to continue to provide its programs over the last few years. The dedicated support of many individuals and organizations enabled Nia to survive and we are deeply grateful. Please consider joining the ‘Nia Family’. We welcome your donations, membership, volunteering, being an advocate to help fulfill our on-going mission of changing lives through the arts as an enriching and transformative resource for the kids of Chester. Blessings, and Thank You. The Nia Board For more information call 610-485-2236 |
Nia’s Mission
- to provide a variety of artistic, educational, and cultural enrichment opportunities to underserved children, youth, families and seniors in the Chester Upland School District and vicinity all year round
- to provide a ‘safe haven’ for self-discovery and artistic expression nurturing individual creativity
- to provide new experiences through classes and events that inspire and spark interest in various arts disciplines
- to provide tutoring, mentoring and internships to young adults that build skills for future success in life
- to provide intergenerational events that bring the greater community together through the arts
- to provide a sense of continuity with the past and pride in our city’s history
- to provide activities that improve the “canvas” of Chester and enhances the well-being of its residents
- to provide exposure to cultures around the world through the arts