Get Involved-Spotlight: Kids In A New Groove
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Mission
Kids in a New Groove (K.I.N.G.) is a 501c3 non-profit that provides private music instruction to kids in the Texas foster care system by matching them with qualified music instructors. Our vision is to enrich and enhance the lives of foster children by nurturing their hearts and minds through music.
Philosophy
Our life changing program seeks to change the grim statistics on youth in foster care. More than 20% of foster youth end up homeless and on the streets, and many more will be incarcerated within the first 2 years of leaving the system. Only 2% of former foster youth will go on to graduate from college. At Kids in a New Groove, we have found that music mentorship can change these odds. Many of our graduating seniors go on to college, while other students in our program have made life-changing improvements in spite of being transferred between many different foster placements and group homes. Our teachers work to instill responsibility and life skills, helping these children become well-rounded individuals by exposing their hearts and minds to music.
Background
Since Fall of 2009, Kids In A New Groove has been offering private music mentorship to Texas youth in foster care. To date our program has reached over 250 Texas foster children and has a proven track record of helping these youth improve grades, behavior, and overall life skills. Teachers involved in the program all have advanced degrees in music education and have been surprised to see how quickly the program has a positive influence on their students.
Our Programs
KING has two main programs: Lessons are the Lifeline and the KING Instrument Program. Lessons are the Lifeline directly funds the cost of weekly, private, one-on-one music lessons for children in the Texas foster care system. Foster care caseworkers and volunteers can apply online at www.kidsinanewgroove.org to enroll an interested foster child in the program, and children are eligible to take any type of lesson that fits their chosen musical interest. In conjunction with these program goals, the KING Instrument Program rewards students with brand new instruments when they are engaged in lessons and responsible and diligent in practicing. The presentation of an instrument is a monumental step for kids who have been abused and rarely rewarded for their accomplishments. Due to our program, kids who have suffered from neglect and have little or no exposure to the arts are gaining confidence, becoming more responsible, and finally feeling connected to something that brings a sense of normalcy and accomplishment to their lives.
Training and Team Requirement
- All KING Teachers and Teacher Volunteers are required to have an undergraduate or advanced degree in music
- KING Interns are required to be a Junior or Senior in undergrad studies, or a graduate student
- Any and all volunteers are welcome as we work with our volunteers to find an opportunity that fits well with their skill set.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
- We have on-going volunteer opportunities for community outreach events. To become a volunteer contact karyn@kidsinanewgroove.org. Also, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to find out about upcoming events.
- For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities, visit www.kidsinanewgroove.org.
What Can Your Donation Do?
- Provide a foster child with private music lessons
- Provide a foster child with lesson books and materials
- Provide a foster child with a musical instrument
- Help a foster child improve their self esteem
- Bring hope to a child who has suffered abuse and neglect
Quotes from Volunteers and Sites Served
“I heard about your organization from one of your board members and told his CASA worker this would be something that might be beneficial to him – Well, he is in the music mentorship program and is working toward a music scholarship at ACC – he has performed at a CASA annual fund raiser and was a huge success – your program has helped this young man to gain confidence in himself and has shown a sense of humor that we had not seen before – in closing, a big thank you to your organization – music for some kids really does make a difference!” – Administrative Assistant to the Blanco County Attorney
“This program provides more than free music lessons and instruments to children in foster care in Texas. Children are given the opportunity to not only learn an art, but confidence and self esteem. These kids begin to smile and feel good about themselves when they learn they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. . . . I highly recommend this opportunity to be given to as many children as possible, but this can only occur through continued support in the community.!! . . .” – Department of Family and Protective Services Employee
“I am a music teacher for Kids in a New Groove, and it is one of the most unique and exceptional programs with which I have ever been involved. I see first hand the impact that music lessons can have on children in foster care or shelters, and I am constantly re-convinced of the life-changing power of music. These students work harder than most any I have had in my 10 year career of teaching music, and they are truly grateful for the time we spend with them. Not only the students themselves but the guardians of these children always have fantastic things to say about the students’ progress, dedication, and hard work.” – KING Teacher
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook / Twitter / www.kidsinanewgroove.org
Audio and video within post produced by Mike Lee
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