Music Soothes the Soul

When the community rallies for a member in need, it can make all the difference. For one 8th grader in Hartford, Connecticut, becoming part of the Catholic Charities community has been a gamechanger.

Despite being bright and grasping concepts quickly, Jandel was having behavioral and attendance issues. Fortunately for him, he attends a “community school,” one of three in his city that has a formal relationship with the local Catholic Charities to provide whole child and family services. That includes resources to support academic, health and social development; afterschool programming; trauma-informed care; food pantry and laundromat; and case management and home visits.

Jandel has since discovered his passion for the violin and takes part twice weekly in Violin Virtuosos, playing on an instrument supplied by Catholic Charities as part of the afterschool program. The speed and ease with which he’s picked it up have impressed his teacher, and his grades and behavior have improved, as well, now that he is incentivized to work up to his full potential. He recently played in the school talent show and is looking forward to continuing music lessons in high school.

“With violin, I feel like it connects me, because it’s music. It’s not just a subject,” Jandel said. “It was such a mindblower. I didn’t even know that I wanted to be a musician.”

You Can Make a Difference

A legacy gift is such a meaningful way to share your love, and it is simpler than you might think. A few words in your will, a short form, a phone call — all are ways you can make a profound difference for those like Jandel. We’d love to help! Contact Francena Phillips Jackson at 703-236-6206 or fjackson@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org to learn about which gift options might be best for you and your family.