Causes: Arts & Culture, Singing & Choral Groups

Mission: My Voice Music is a nonprofit organization based in Portland Oregon that engages marginalized youth in music and performance in order to promote self-esteem, social skills and emotional expression.

Results: We have been recognized by the former Mayor of Portland for our music programs that use music involvement to promote positive social and emotional skills in youth.

Target demographics: marginalized youth find a sense of community through creative expression

Geographic areas served: Portland

Programs: My Voice Music (MVM) teaches youth ages 5-18 to write, record, and perform original songs. As our name suggests, our vision is that all youth have the opportunity to find and share their artistic voice. MVM was born in a mental health treatment center, and our artistic mission is tightly enmeshed with a social mission. Though many of our programs are now open to the public, we place special emphasis on working with youth in mental health/behavioral treatment centers, foster care, and alternative schools. We reach 1,000 youth each year through music programs on-site at social service agencies, independent rock camps and ongoing advanced music mentorships. Our programs guide youth from the initial spark of creativity all the way through formal leadership training, where older teens teach younger youth how to play and write music who are facing challenges they themselves have gone through.