Highlights of Our Work

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• In 2024 we provided music education to 30 teens at the Whatcom Juvenile Detention Center, 20 kids in afterschool programs, 24 private students, and 40 seniors at assisted living facilities

• In 2024 we were awarded $5,000 from the Whatcom Community Foundation for instruments 

• In January of 2025 we were awarded $10,000 from the Norcliffe Foundation for our work with at-risk youth

• In March of 2025 we were awarded $1,000 from the Whatcom Community Foundation for health and wellness of our staff

• In April of 2025, our You Tube channel, which offers free music lessons, surpassed 40,000 views. 

• So far we've attracted five volunteers to our program with at-risk youth. Having people with these different skills and talents has made a lasting impact on the kids we serve

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Stories of Our Work

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Most importantly, we've seen music transform the people we serve. Here is just one story of a teen we worked with, told by our organization's Executive Director. 

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I’ll never forget one of the teens I worked with at the Whatcom Juvenile Detention Center who was just thirteen when he first got into trouble. In our first drum circle, he sat slouched in his chair, emotionless. Whenever he struggled with a rhythm, he’d push the drum away, convinced he couldn’t do it—even as I encouraged him with, "You got this." After a few more lessons and some one-on-one instruction, something changed. He started playing more, smiling more. Eventually, he was released, and I didn’t see him for a while.

Months later, I felt a tap on my shoulder while returning books at the Bellingham Library.  “Remember me?” he asked. Of course, I did. Then he said something I’ll never forget: “Your lessons were really fun. I never felt okay playing music with others until I joined your drum circle. You made it easy.” His grandmother, standing nearby, added, “He’s with me now, and he’s gonna stay outta trouble.”

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Please Donate if you Are Able to

This is the impact of Gifts of Music NW and with your help, we can help more young people find their rhythm in life.

 

🎵    $20 supports free music lessons at the Whatcom Juvenile Detention Center
🎵    $50 helps us expand our program to other youth facilties in Whatcom County
🎵    $100 helps train volunteers and bring on an additional music teacher
🎵    $500 provides free musical instruments to students who can’t afford them

 

 

Your support offers more than music—it offers hope and a chance to rewrite one’s future. 
Thank you for believing in the power of music and the potential of our young people.​​​