Band of the Strong
Allowing the Melody to Move us Forward
Our Mission
Band of the Strong is a non-profit organization with the mission to give expressive arts and musical opportunities to kids and families in need. We create specialized programming to people process through the most challenging parts of their lives by telling their stories and defining their community through art, writing, music and more. Such challenges include: the death of loved ones, unexpected illnesses, economic hardship, and more.
Our Impact
In Band of the Strong’s first year of operation we brought music to kids at the Munroe Meyer Institute in Omaha, which is a center for kids with disabilities. In summer two we brought music to local after-school programs in Lincoln Nebraska, as well as, Mourning Hope Grief Center. In the summer of 2018 and the Spring of 2019 Band of the Strong again worked with Mourning Hope and Grief’s Journey out of Omaha Nebraska. In the years of 2020 and 2021, we continued our work in spite of COVID-19, returning to Camp Munroe and Grief’s Journey.
In the years since, we have continued to expand on our programming, solidifying it in the context of a tiered system, that builds rapport with youth in the communities we serve, to provide them a consistent platform to express themselves and find restoration in their own dignity.
~10
Years Serving communities
For three years we have continually helped to provide opportunities for youth in the Lincoln and Omaha area to work through some of the most challenging events in their lives.
Our Programs
Band of the Strong’s basic model is simple. We get small cigar box guitars from a company in Florida called Rulon International. We then take the small guitars and give them to kids. The kids get to paint the guitars and our team and some fellow musicians play music and talk with the kids about the challenges in their lives. From this structure we improvise through the following.
Expressive Arts: Painting, Writing, Music
Band of the Strong works was first inspired by the Blues, but is open to whatever music connects to the human heart. Music is about telling stories. The music we connect to can be a reflection of how we are working through our own story. Music is about understanding what your heart needs and finding a way to tell the world your story. Life, whether you are dealing with great grief or simple, day-to-day challenges, is much the same.
Restroative Practices: Walking with youth
Band of the Strong works to walk WITH youth through the challenges in their lives. As we work WITH youth, we give them the opportunity to find their own path and create an inner sense of resiliency in the opportunity to acknowledge loss in life, embrace the associated emotions, and find personal meaning.
“Music and Art is about understanding what your heart needs and finding a way to tell the world your story.”
Get Involved
You can get involved in a multitude of ways from using our services, signing up to be a volunteer, or by making a donation.
Sign Up For a Program
We tailor our programming to best support the goals of your organization. Sign up and tell us your story.
Volunteer opportunities
By signing up to be a volunteer you will be put on a list and notified when there are volunteer opportunities.
Make a Donation
We accept donations in the form of cash, check, and gently used musical instruments.