Grant Funds Music Therapy Program For Special Needs Residents

By Emilee Story

WOODSTOCK, GA -- If you visit Next Step Ministries on a Wednesday afternoon, it is likely that you will hear various instruments, old and new songs alike, and plenty of laughter. Sounds fun, right? This music-filled environment is sure to not only capture your attention, but will also have you joining in with the clients here at Next Step.

These music-filled Wednesdays are all possible because of a generous grant from the Cobb EMC Community Foundation. This grant enables Next Step’s clients to experience music therapy sessions with a wonderful music therapist, Jody, for an entire year.

One of these clients, Jennifer, claps her hands along as her favorite band, The Beach Boys, is played on a day where Jody plays everyone’s favorite tunes. Other clients can often be seen clapping along to many of Jody’s surprise tunes or laughing along with their peers.

Clients’ faces light up when they get to play a drum, following along to the beat of their friends' favorite songs. It is not uncommon to see a client’s mood completely change when they get to play an instrument on their own, make their own beat, and make music with their friends.

One such client, Lanier, promptly rushes to get in the music circle and remains excited the entire time music is filling the room, clapping his hands along with every song. Clients such as Lanier have been so helped by weekly music therapy and consistently display their love of this exhilarating program. Even the clients who seldom interact with their peers will stay involved to hear their favorite songs.

We at Next Step Ministries are so grateful to be able to provide our clients with these moments! Thank you, Cobb EMC Community Foundation!

If you want to learn more about our programs, follow us at facebook.com/nextstepga or our website at nextstepministries.net.