Page 16 - 2021 Spring Summer Our Hands

“This is what I
want to do with Click the

my life – working Laptop
in a group like

this and creating to watch
music!” Lost Voices

~ Alyssa, Lost Voices
participant

The Magic of Music

Last December, with the help of Don Soenen, Samaritas Lost Voices offers life-changing creative programs
was able to pilot a new partnership for older youth in to youth recovering from emotional trauma due
foster care. to factors including abuse, neglect, violence, and
addiction. Through songwriting workshops, professional
Samaritas’ Independent Living and Independent Living musicians create a safe, expressive environment where
Plus (ILP) services focus on empowering older teens breakthroughs can happen, and young people can
in foster care to grow and develop through specialized find new, productive ways to express their hopes and
programs that build on each person’s strengths. The heartaches.
programs are designed to help them learn to live
independently as adults as they prepare to transition out One of the highlights of the Samaritas Lost Voices
of foster care and venture into the world on their own. partnership was Alyssa. Alyssa’s passion for music
soared to new heights throughout the five sessions,
While involved with the IL(P) programs, youth receive the and she was thrilled to be able to share her talents and
following services:
aspirations. The Lost Voices team also encouraged
• Housing placement and supervision her to help mentor other young people who joined the
sessions, which helped to fan the flames of her creativity
• Life skills assessment of strengths and needs and help hone some new leadership skills. By the end
of the week, Alyssa said, “This is what I want to do with
• Individualized life skills training
my life – working in a group like this and creating music!”
• Educational or vocational referrals and assistance You can meet Alyssa and hear her sing on our website at
samaritas.org.
• Employment referrals and support
Samaritas programming like ILP is made possible with
• And more . . .
the support of donors like you. If you would like more
The "MORE" includes innovative programs and resources information about ways you can join us and help young
like Education Scholarships, an opportunity to participate people in foster care, please contact DeeDee McVety
in Equine Therapy, and last December – Lost Voices. at (248) 953-1944 or Deedee.Mcvety@samaritas.org, or
visit www.samaritas.org/donate today.

Darius

Darius is a very active, outgoing and smart kid. He likes school and has shown
great progress in his studies. Darius loves the computer and enjoys playing all
different types of games on it. One of the things he likes most is Star Wars.

For more information visit samaritas.org

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