Music Therapy builds community at HVAF’s Permanent Supportive Housing
When we first began Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in 2019, we knew we wanted to create community with the veterans and their families who lived there.
One way our case managers achieve that is by hosting different groups and classes – and most recently, music therapy.
Resounding Joy is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to “enhance the human experience through the therapeutic use of music.” Classes are held weekly at Veterans Villa, one of HVAF’s PSH apartments for single veterans, and at Carson Apartments for veteran families.
Air Force Veteran Valerie’s daughter, Antoinette, and grandchildren live at Carson with her. Antoinette’s son, Ethen, looks forward to class each week.
“He loves to meet new people and he loves music,” Ethen’s mother, Antoinette, said. “Kate is also very nice and a great teacher.”
At Veterans Villa, Music Therapist Lindsey has been able to help the residents write songs, lead a drum circle, and play Christmas songs for the holiday season.
“Music is very therapeutic for veterans in particular because of all that they’ve been through. It’s a different approach to therapy … not just sitting and talking,” Lindsey said. “And it reaches everyone because everyone has a different kind of music that they like so it brings everyone together.”
Army veteran Robert likes to come to Lindsey’s class and play tambourine, drums, and sing with his fellow veterans.
“I’m not too good at being alone. It’s good to be around other people,” Robert said. “I like to see if I can play the instruments and to go along with whatever instruments are being played.”
We can’t serve our veterans and their families living in our Permanent Supportive Housing without your support! Please consider giving a tax-deductible, financial gift today:
