I don't remember when I first met Coley, but I feel like I have always known her and her family. You might too. The tiny girls’ front row at the Thorns games; blazing red hair in a mohawk, adorable side cuts, in love with Christine Sinclair (like everyone, obviously). When I originally asked for ideas for match day drives, Coley was one of the first people who responded. Coley is a total badass and a current member of the East Coast Platoon. I asked her to write a blog post about MVM and what it means to her.
This following is a guest post by TA member Coley Lehman:
This month’s match-day drive supports My Voice Music (MVM). I have been a board member of MVM since 2015. I care deeply about this organization and the impact we have on youth in the area. Here are some important statistics about My Voice Music (MVM):
- In 2017, 1800 young people ages 7 to 20 participated in MVM’s music programs.
- 700 of those are young people experiencing mental health crisis, living in residential mental health treatment centers; through partnerships in over 20 youth organizations; many of whom are recovering from trauma, such as, abuse, sex trafficking, and drug addiction.
- 215 are refugees, unaccompanied migrant youth seeking refugee status in the U.S. who have been separated from their families and were in the custody of ICE.
- 85 are young people living in foster care.
- 300 are young people who attended programs open to the public at MVM studios, which include summer camps for 9-13 year olds; year-round artist mentorship programs designed for middle school, high school, and transition age youth from 11 – 20 years old.
- 85% of those 300 attended free.
Numbers tell one part of the story. Students’ own words tell another part.
“I was not speaking to anyone. I was angry. I didn’t know what to do. Music gave me a place to share what I needed to say.”
-Christian
Hip Hop Artist Outreach Programs, Year-Round Artist Mentorship Student, Rock Camp Teacher
“The first time I heard a recording of my music, I felt a door opening in my life.”
-Joseph, electronic musician
MVM Outreach Student
“My Voice Music is hope.”
-Owen, multi-instrument & songwriter
Rock Camper & PreAmp Student
From the friendships I’ve made through 107ist, I know many of you have personal connections to this work with youth. It is important and often literally life-saving. Please support this month’s match-day drive.
Thank you, Coley (@propersneakers)
Coley has also curated a special list for the 107ist to use as a guide for more affordable items for this drive.
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batteries (AAA, AA, cr2032, 9 volt)
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ear plugs (the foam kind for sound sensitive folks)
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bus passes
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Notebooks, journals
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pens
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markers (for making band posters, etc.)
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dry erase markers
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Large Easel Sticky Pads (25"x30")
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multi-colored pipe cleaners & other things for kids to creatively fiddle with while taking breaks.
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5 gallon buckets (for bucket drumming workshops)
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alternate percussion (shakers, tambourines, triangles, etc) can be found in kids toy section of Freddy's
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Blank CDs, similar to these (We go through lots of CDs at our outreach programs and need white ones in order to stamp our MVM logo and info onto them.)
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Portable CD players
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Headphones or earbuds
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Non-perishable snacks
Music Specific Small Items (not found a target or Freddy's though)
