When I founded My Voice Music six and a half years ago, I knew that providing music to youth in crisis, as a way to help them cope and develop tangible life skills, was something that my life had prepared me for and which I must pursue.  I did not know what that work would look like. But I do now:

• It is a young person at a crisis center who can’t help but break a smile during a group, though she tries hard to hide it.

• It is a group of incarcerated young men so enthusiastic to have the opportunity to play music, rap, and record, that we as staff think they are messing around with us…until the last day when they give a hug, shed a tear, and perform music that inspires us, that professes publicly the aspiration to break negative cycles…possibly for the first time.

• It is meeting young people on the same journey we are on, who whole-heartedly embrace our program, and inspire us to do better, to play better, to provide more.

• It is watching young people grow and develop as young artists and leaders of their communities, who show up to teach at summer programs and want to come back and teach after they have graduated.

• It is knowing that when we provide great opportunities, and the student comes with ambitious intentions, no matter their background, great things will happen.  All lives involved will be changed.

On our stage, all people have worth, they have a voice, and they learn that they can create change, first in their own life, then in the lives of others, if they will just share it openly and honestly.  Individuals who give monthly to support our programs are pillars that hold us up at MVM, year after year.  These individuals believe in the transformative power that happens on our stage.

Please join myself and our Board of Directors in becoming a monthly recurring donor or renewing your current gifts, faithfully supporting our work because you understand it’s value and the effect it has on thousands of youth each year to experience something that could change our lives forever.

Thanks from the whole MVM family, including the newest addition, baby Jude Mouser, born June 13th!

Ian Mouser
MVM Founder / Executive Director