My daughters and I currently attend Heron’s Bridge dojo at One Cottage Street in Easthampton. My daughters and I have been attending the dojo for over a decade and have gained lifesaving skills.

As a single mother of two daughters with disabilities, it has been difficult to provide them the training and confidence necessary to overcome their challenges. Fortunately, our dojo has been able to create affordable training due to generosity and compassion seldom seen. This has been possible due to low overhead. Unfortunately, the rent for all tenants is increasing (some by 150%), and those struggling to provide for our families may not be able to attend if this increase can’t be negotiated.

Both of my daughters have struggled. My daughter on the autism spectrum has been able to gain spatial awareness thanks to karate. The arts have also taught her how to manage her ADHD, and calm her during her panic attacks. My other daughter can now manage her anxiety disorder, which has allowed her to brave situations that once were impossible.

The arts not only bring beauty and cause us to question, they also bring success to our future generations. The arts bring hope and provide a powerful example of the generosity and compassion we all need to receive and share.

The decisions made without consideration of our future will have lasting repercussions. Without art, what will our community look like? The loss of art will have a deep impact on our community and our future.

Linda Patterson

Northampton