JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — More kids with special needs will now get the chance to learn through music.
Connecting Thru Music, a local organization that provides music education to special-needs kids, was just awarded a $161,000 grant from the Kids Hope Alliance.
Executive Director Karen Demuth said the money will help the organization expand.
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"This grant is allowing us to go to schools, programs, communities, and offer after-school enrichment with music therapy," said Demuth.
Action News Jax first introduced you to this special lesson in April 2018 when it was a 10-week pilot program.
Today, it's year-round thanks to much needed funding.
The grant also helps pay for quality music therapists, such as Steven Amburn, who owns First Coast Music Therapy.
"We're using music as a tool to accomplish other things," said Amburn.
Every word and every movement that goes with a song is intentional.
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The songs are made up of core words that help the children in their everyday lives.
While the grant will help the program expand, it doesn't mean it'll sustain it for good.
"Just to provide the music to these two schools, just about $200,000 a year, we still need $80,000 this year to keep this program going," said Demuth.
That is why Demuth is hoping you'll keep the organization in mind this giving season and give the gift of joy through music.
If you'd like to donate or learn more about Connecting Thru Music, click here.