Wesley Family Services - Creative Arts Program

05/11/2026

25 years of dedication, compassion, advocacy, and believing in the power of music to change lives. 🎶❤️

This year, we proudly celebrate Katie Harrill’s 25th anniversary at Wesley Family Services. Over the past 25 years, Katie has built and grown the Creative Arts Program into something truly extraordinary — creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to express themselves, connect, and shine through music and the arts. Sixteen years ago, that vision expanded into Music of the Heart, a recital that continues to bring families, performers, staff, and the community together in a powerful celebration of inclusion, creativity, and joy.

To honor this incredible milestone, this special video was created to celebrate the journey, the memories, the performers, and the countless lives impacted along the way.

As we approach the 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital, we would love nothing more than to celebrate Katie’s 25 years at Wesley with one of our most successful recital years yet. Donations not only help make this meaningful event possible but also provide scholarships for families who would otherwise be unable to afford Creative Arts services.

Thank you, Katie, for 25 years of unwavering passion, leadership, and dedication to those we serve. And thank you to every family who has trusted Wesley Family Services and the Creative Arts Program over the years. Your trust, support, and belief in this mission are what continue to make this work so meaningful. ❤️

Donate today and be part of the magic:
https://wfspa.org/donate-recital

05/10/2026

Just over a month.

And something really special is coming.

The 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital isn’t just another event on the calendar—it’s a moment our clients work toward all year. It’s where hard things turn into proud moments. Where voices that aren’t always heard take center stage. Where we get to witness confidence grow right in front of us.

This stage matters.
These moments matter.
They matter more than we can put into words.

If you’ve ever wondered what your support actually does—this is it.

You can help make this day possible:
🎵 Support the recital: https://wfspa.org/donate-recital

👕 Grab a shirt and stand with our performers: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NqU/i

We’re getting close. Let’s show up big for them.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day 💐

To every mom and every mother-figure—the grandmothers, aunts, stepmoms, adoptive and foster moms, mentors, caregivers, and the ones who step in, show up, and love without limits—today is for you.

You are the steady rhythm, the quiet strength, the guiding voice.
You shape lives in ways that don’t always get seen, but are always felt.

Thank you for being the music in our lives—
the harmony, the heartbeat, and the love that carries us forward.

Today, we celebrate you. Always. 💗

05/08/2026

We’re not just counting down days—we’re building toward a moment that matters.

The 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital is almost here, and with every day that passes, we get closer to a stage filled with courage, growth, and voices that deserve to be heard.

Registration deadline is May 17.
If you’re part of our Creative Arts Program, this is your moment. Step into it. Share it. Own it.

Register here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NqU/

Have questions? We’re here: [email protected]

Can’t be there in person? You can still stand behind every performer and everything this program represents.
Support the recital: https://wfspa.org/donate-recital/

05/06/2026

🌟Wednesday Wonders: Client Spotlight Series continues! 🌟

Meet Matti.

Music has always been his thing—no convincing needed. When Music Therapy was offered, his answer was immediate.

Since starting, Matti hasn’t just listened to music—he’s stepped into it. Exploring instruments, trying new sounds, and finding his place in it all.

And give him a microphone? That’s his moment.

You see the confidence. The excitement. The joy.

Music Therapy isn’t just part of his week now—it’s something he looks forward to. Something that’s his.

🎶 Read more stories like Matti’s:
https://wfspa.org/creative-arts-spotlights-2026/

💛 Help create more opportunities like this:
https://wfspa.org/donate-recital/

05/04/2026

A long time ago (okay… 25 years ago 😉), something truly special began…

On this May 4th, we’re celebrating a true creative force—Katie Harrill—who built the Creative Arts Program from the ground up and shaped it into what it is today. Her vision, passion, and dedication have inspired countless individuals and brought creativity to life in ways that continue to impact our community every single day.

Much like the Force, her influence is everywhere—guiding, inspiring, and connecting us all.

💛 As we celebrate 25 years of impact, we’re also looking ahead. We invite our community, partners, and leaders to consider becoming sponsors of this year’s Music of the Heart Recital—honoring what Katie has created and helping us expand these life-changing opportunities to reach countless more individuals.

Help us continue this legacy and grow what’s possible:
https://wfspa.org/donate-recital/

Thank you, Katie, for 25 incredible years of creativity, leadership, and heart. The legacy you’ve built is nothing short of extraordinary.

✨ May the 4th be with you… always. ✨

05/03/2026

Music has the power to connect, uplift, and transform—and this is your invitation to be part of it. 🎸

We’re excited to once again partner with Band Together Pittsburgh to bring Music Therapy back to Moondogs (378 Freeport Rd., Blawnox) on May 7. Together, we’re creating a space where every individual—regardless of age or experience—can engage in music, build confidence, and connect with others in a meaningful way.

No experience needed. All instruments provided. Just bring yourself.

For just $10, you’re not just attending—you’re stepping into a powerful, shared experience where music becomes a voice, a connection, and a source of growth.

Join us: https://bandtogetherpgh.org/events/
🎶

Ready to spark your creativity and connect with others? 🎸

Music Therapy returns May 7th at Moondogs (378 Freeport Rd., Blawnox, PA). Wesley Family Services' Creative Arts Program brings therapeutic music to everyone—regardless of age or experience level.

All instruments provided. Only $10 to participate. This is your invitation to experience harmony, melody, and community.

Sign up today: https://bandtogetherpgh.org/events/

05/01/2026

If you’ve ever thought, “How can we support the Creative Arts Program?”—this is one of the easiest, most meaningful way to do it.

Our 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital t-shirts aren’t just something to wear to the recital—they represent everything we stand for. Every shirt purchased directly supports the Creative Arts Program and helps us continue creating real opportunities for our clients to express themselves, build confidence, and truly be seen.

We get to witness the impact of this work every single day—the growth, the pride, the moments that matter. And it only continues because people choose to stand with us.

So yes—we’re asking you to grab a shirt.

Wear it to the recital. Wear it out in the community. Start conversations. Be part of the reason this program keeps growing.

👉 Get yours here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NqU/i/

Deadline to order: May 17

04/29/2026

🌟Wednesday Wonders: Client Spotlight Series continues! 🌟

Some stories remind us that access isn’t just important—it’s everything.

Meet Katie.

When Katie turned 21, opportunities became limited. Programs that truly met her where she was—where she could enjoy, connect, and participate meaningfully—were hard to find.

But one thing never changed: her love for music.

From concerts to local live performances, music has always been a part of Katie’s life. And when she found Wesley’s Creative Arts Program, that love finally had a place to grow.

Since joining Rock Band in Fall 2024, Katie hasn’t just participated—she’s belonged.

She’s taken the stage at the Music of the Heart Recital, and this June, she’s getting ready to do it again.

She looks forward to every session. She lights up when she sings. She connects, laughs, and shares moments that go far beyond music.

🎶 Read more stories like Katie’s:
https://wfspa.org/creative-arts-spotlights-2026/

💛 Help create more opportunities like this:
https://wfspa.org/donate-recital/

04/28/2026

We believe in the power of music to connect, express, and transform. 🎶

Join us for a meaningful evening of music therapy in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh on May 7th from 6–7pm at the Band Together Clubhouse.

This experience is designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with developmental differences—creating a space where every person can engage, express, and be supported through music.

No experience needed. Just show up—we’ll provide the instruments, the structure, and the support.

$10 to participate.
Come be part of something powerful.

Register here: https://bandtogetherpgh.org/events/

Embark on a remarkable musical journey with us! 🎵 Band Together Pittsburgh and Wesley Family Services are hosting Music Therapy on May 7th, 6-7pm at the Band Together Clubhouse.

This therapeutic experience is designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disorders.

No musical experience needed—we provide instruments and guidance. Join us for just $10 and discover the healing power of music.

Register now: https://bandtogetherpgh.org/events/

04/28/2026

Did you hear? Registration is officially OPEN for our 16th Annual Music of the Heart Recital. 🎶

This is more than a recital.
This is confidence built, voices found, barriers broken, and moments that families never forget.

On one stage, in one afternoon, you will see courage, growth, and the powerful ways our clients connect, communicate, and shine through music. 💛

Registration is open to clients currently enrolled in the Creative Arts Program at Wesley Family Services.

👕 Important: T-shirt order deadline is May 17th!
Every shirt represents support, pride, and the community standing behind each performer.

Be part of it. Be in the room. Be part of the moment.

Register here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/NqU/