Youth Outreach: The Power of Music & Creative Expression | Addiction & Recovery Program | A partnership with Portage
September 16 - December 20
Youth Addiction & Recovery Program: The Power of MUSIC & Creative Expression.
THE POWER OF ART & CREATIVE EXPRESSION continues to be an important outreach connection to our community. Through our partnership with Portage Elora, this Youth Outreach Program is all about the POWER OF MUSIC!
MUSIC JAM MONDAYS! is a pilot program this Fall and invites Portage youth in recovery to a welcoming environment to explore the basics of rhythm and melody with a variety of acoustic instruments.
Music can be a powerful way to express and connect with our emotions. MUSIC JAM MONDAYS! is designed to connect Portage youth with the potential of music making as a form of self expression. Through the learning of music fundamentals, participants will develop a vocabulary to experiment, collaborate and play off each other’s energy!
Each week participants will be inspired by a curated playlist, including different genres, grooves and moods, and will be encouraged to play both independently and collaboratively. Through weekly guided “jam” sessions, led by music educator Jon Kraemer, along with professional musicians from our community, youth will be invited to explore and experiment with a choice of instruments, acoustic guitar, soprano ukulele, hand drums, and synthesizers.
Our goal:
- Experience music making in a positive, safe, and supportive environment
- Engage with a variety of instruments
- Develop confidence in their abilities to express themselves through music
- Offer an opportunity to see music as tool to be used throughout the many challenges of recovery and beyond Portage.
This program would not be possible without the tremendous support of our community! Thank you The Dalglish Family Foundation and Skyline Group of Companies for being part of that community.
You can support this program too! To help us continue to offer this program in the months ahead, please click here.
Portage residents experience ‘power of art’ through Elora arts centre program – June 2024
Portage Elora residents healing through arts program – June 2024
Elora Centre for the Arts helps youth struggling with addiction – June 2024
Feedback from Portage Participants about our Program:
“The kids came back to our property and they were kids again. They were skipping and dancing and twirling around. It was like they came out of their shell” – Kristin, Executive Director of Portage Elora
“Viewing the gallery was so cool. The whole atmosphere with the chill music, the tea, and art supplies everywhere. It’s just a nice place to be” – S., Participant
“Even travelling from Portage to the Arts Centre was always so fun. We had great conversations in the van and we were able to continue the positive experience” – C., Participant
“I learned so much about myself from one drawing. The activities allowed us to see ourselves in our art and not be defined by our past trauma” -C., Participant
“The expectation was set from the beginning that it was a judgement-free zone and there is no bad art. That was really helpful for me because I could feel safe making mistakes” – M., Participant
“At first I wanted rulers and guidelines and by the end I was able to trust myself to make creative decisions” – M., Participant
“A lot of activities were outside my comfort zone and I really liked that I stomped on my fears and found new things to do that I liked” – W., Participant