We are bringing music and theatre programming behind the wall to students who are currently incarcerated in the MA Department of Corrections state prison system!

Donations are fully tax-deductible. You will receive a proof of donation/acknowledgment letter immediately upon making a donation. (This project has fiscal sponsorship.)

Your donation will go directly towards the implementation of music and theatre programming in the Massachusetts Department of Corrections.

There is currently no other music or theatre education offered within these facilities.

Testimonials

from students in the MA Department of Corrections…

"For me as a lifer in prison,

learning how to read and write music is very important. I've always been into music, and there is a whole new world of understanding and learning. This is something I can share and pass on to others."

"I have been at Norfolk for 8 years. I would love to learn more about theatre, art, documentaries...this would help me build my reentry plans. As the African American Coalition Committee Chairman, music and art help to pull the young men in prison into positive spaces. Our music volunteer has helped challenge the younger individuals to do plays and step out of their comfort zones. Idle time is the biggest problem in this type of environment."

"I have been incarcerated since 1989. Music and art are extremely beneficial for incarcerated individuals. These are expressive tools that aid in communication. Music connects us, bringing together people from different walks of life, different neighborhoods...we all have input, we are all involved and as a result, we communicate with one another and become aware of other viewpoints."

"It has helped with my mental health and given me something to look forward to. I am not looking forward to it ending. Without this program it has been nearly impossible to find any creative outlets. I would really like to see more outlets for artistic expression. Not only do they help people but they keep people busy and out of trouble."

"Expressive arts therapy has been shown to be more effective than cognitive therapies in treating trauma. Most prisoners suffer from various forms of trauma."

"I enjoyed the class a lot, it's unfortunate it went by so fast. More time for each lesson would only make the experience that much more rewarding. I understand in these conditions that's kind of hard to achieve. Music was always a childhood dream, and I find myself even today dreaming about being a big music artist. Even if I'm not famous, I would love to just be noticed for my talent. I would love to learn the piano. I never had an opportunity to ever learn to play, but I hope I can now."

"I've spent the past 30 years incarcerated.

This program helps people learn their art in the most positive ways. You take men from all different backgrounds, crimes, and situations, and they get together and do positive work in the toughest possible place. (Prison) Without this program I'd be lost as to who I am, and why I belong. My mind is free through music—even if my body can't be..."

“Even though you’re coming in here on a Saturday, you always bring positive energy into the space. Sunday is our day to get ready for the week, and having this on saturday is a perfect way to end the week on a positive note.”

"Music has always been a healing factor in the souls of humans. I personally see the joy across the people in this program. We are learning not only about music, but how we can use music to change for the better who we are as individuals. Ms. Jenny is encouraging and educating a love for ourselves and music."

"The music program is important for the following reasons. One, we are learning how to read, write, play, and create music. Two, this is one of the greatest mental health tools ever created and I have been using it for over 17 years, since being incarcerated here at Norfolk. Three, we are in my opinion the luckiest people on earth to have a music expert come into the prison, sacrifice her time, then teach us everything she knows about music. I hope we can continue learning music."

"I was able to have fun and learn in a safe space where I'm super out of my comfort zone with music. My music goals are to be able to 'escape' in a safe, constructive manner."

“You are coming into a facility that is full of darkness and bringing light, laughter, music, joy. We all have music in our hearts, and you come in and give us a chance to connect with that music and joy. You bring light into a dark place. I pray that you continue to do this work, because it has an impact. And it really touched me when you said you work with juveniles, because I was one of those juveniles, and if you can bring some positivity and joy to those kids, you might help them to reach out and do something different. God bless you.”