Are you an Actor? Musician? Puppetier? Pack Rat?

[Jzmackenzie]

Just a quick note to those of you who are interested.

At Tuesday's meeting there was a group decision to put our collective talents to use working with the youngsters who are in the GTO youth corrections facility!

These are kids who , for the greater part have never had much of a chance in life and took or were forced to the "dark side of the force".
I have been in touch with the administrators of the facility and they are very, very receptive to any outside help that can give these kids a brighter outlook for the future.

The kids age from 14 through 18, most are unschooled and have no real skills.

This is a nonviolent population and we (Jacquie and I) feel quite safe there. The physical plant is clean, modern and well managed. Jacquie has several years experience as a volunteer counselor in prisons, as have Steve and Manuela.

The beneficent effects of theater/music programs for incarcerated youths are well documented

Sooooooo! with all that said, We're looking for: music teachers, instrumental and vocal, donations of or for guitars, fiddles, hand drums, other rhythm instruments, and an electric keyboard. Talk to your friends, see who's got what tucked away, unused!

We'd like to get something underway ASAP as the kids have no school for the next six weeks and have NOTHING to do. The main problem is that there has been a cut back in education staffing in the facility and volunteers are badly needed. There is a vetting process which takes a few days.

This is a great opportunity for us to put our talents to work making a difference in young lives.

I hope to hear from you all pronto, suggestions, ideas for programs etc. are most welcome!

As soon as possible I'll have a schedule of days and times when we can be there (working around meals, work details, visiting hours, etc.)

Don