About this project:
According to local police information, there are approximately 69 gangs in our region. Our program is being developed to reduce gang affiliation. The program is inspired by "EL SISTEMA"(CBS-60 MINUTES-April 17, 2008), a proven path to reducing gang violence. It seeks to transform the lives of children at -risk from the outside by using music. The project addresses the negativ
e self-image typically associated with impoverishment and teaches students they are worthy, capable individuals. In 2010 a pilot 12 week program similar to the program we are now developing was funded by United Way under Kent Youth and Family Services (KYFS). It was deemed a success. M-Power Youth provides free music lessons to teach at-risk youths how to play a musical instrument. There are three paid music teachers to instruct the youths. Additionally volunteers with a musical background assist the teachers. In August 2014 M-Power Youth conducted a two week music class (5 days a week 2 hours per day) for youths. With successful completion of the two-week class M-Power Youth conducted a seven-week music class (3 days a week 2 hours per day) in the Spring of 2015. This class led to M-Power Youth decision to conduct a three-week music class (5 days a week 2 hours per day) in August 2015. M-Power Youth has obtained the support of the Mayor of the City of Kent, the Kent Police Chief, the Superintendent of the Kent School District, Kent Arts Commission, and the Kent Ministerial Association which is a group of pastors from the various Kent faith communities. Two churches (Methodist and Presbyterian) have hosted benefit concerts for M-Power Youth and Kent Lutheran Church hosts the music classes. The program objectives are to bring hope and confidence to at-risk youth through music and to raise self-esteem of at-risk youth, thereby enabling their success in society. The community being served is Kent, WA. M-Power Youth serves at-risk youths. All teachers and volunteers undergo extensive background checks. Additionally M-Power Youth has liability insurance to cover the risks associated with youth programs. M-Power Youth intentionally involves the parents of the youths in order to gain the parents support. Whenever M-Power Youth has experienced an obstacle, the faith-based communities in Kent have stepped up and provided the solution. M-Power Youth values our partnership with the Kent faith-based communities.
