Empowering Youth Through Trauma-Informed Healing

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We aim to address the systemic inequities that lead at-risk youth, particularly BIPOC youth, towards incarceration and self-destruction. For 16 years, Rhythm Arts Alliance has observed that these youth are often monitored instead of listened to, punished rather than acknowledged for their gifts. The NIH reports that African Americans have a life expectancy 2-3 years shorter than the average American due to trauma and stress. These youth lack resources to engage with their bodies and emotions creatively. With the recent contraction of the LA County Juvenile Probation System, there is an urgent need to replace inadequate systems with supportive, well-resourced communities that foster healing and growth through cultural arts and social-emotional tools. Our program provides the necessary cultural arts education and emotional support, creating a nurturing environment for youth to thrive and connect with their heritage.

The Therapeutic Drum and Dance Council program by Rhythm Arts Alliance will address systemic inequities affecting BIPOC at-risk youth in South Central L.A. Weekly sessions at the Youth Mentoring Connection Community space will integrate traditional West African drum and dance with therapeutic and restorative practices.
The program begins with teaching traditional drum and dance to help youth connect with their bodies and nervous systems. Using a collaborative council process, we observe physical responses to these artistic expressions to address personal and communal issues, fostering deep listening, collaborative decision-making, and restorative justice practices.
We will train 8 youth leaders in facilitation techniques, curriculum building, and program review, drawing on our expertise as Music Therapists and therapeutic drum facilitators. These youth leaders will receive stipends and develop social-emotional skills, leadership, circle facilitation, and conflict-resolution abilities.
Our program uniquely combines cultural arts and therapeutic practices, creating a supportive environment for youth to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with their cultural heritage. This approach promotes holistic transformation, addressing physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being, and fostering a strong community network. Our multi-generational approach aims to positively influence at-risk youth, providing tools to thrive and break the cycle of systemic inequities.

Through our work, LA County will see a transformation in the lives of at-risk BIPOC youth. We will directly engage 48 youth and indirectly impact 300 community members through presentations/performances. Youth will acquire valuable facilitation, public health, and social-emotional tools, preparing them for various career paths and life situations. Our program at the Youth Mentoring Connection in South Central will foster a vibrant, multigenerational community network supporting job searches and personal growth.
In the long term, our initiative will cultivate a healthier LA County through strengthened community connections and the practice of cultural arts. Graduates will pass on their knowledge and skills, creating a ripple effect that impacts 300-400 people within 2-3 years. This program aims to guide youth away from systemic inequities and towards becoming contributing citizens, ultimately fostering social change and revitalizing the community through the arts and healing practices.

Therapeutic Drum and Dance Council includes quantitative and qualitative assessments. We track demographics and changes in self-confidence, musical literacy, wellness, and overall attitude through pre- and post-workshop evaluations, youth stories, teaching artist evaluations, photographs, attendance records, and sign-in sheets. Our administrative staff collaborates with our grants team to review all evaluation data.This helps us improve workshops, create new programs, and expand existing ones to meet community needs better.
Success in our program includes increased self-confidence, reduced stress levels, knowledge of healthy ways to release negative feelings, connection to community and mentors, and development of musical literacy and skills in African/Latin drum and dance. We involve participants in program development, revising programming based on their needs and interests, and celebrating their accomplishments.