COVID-19 has caused countless of routines to be adjusted. Those learning to adapt to these changes include Kids In A New Groove (KING). The organization works to pair up music mentors with kids in the Texas foster care system for one-on-one music sessions. However, the circumstances have caused a halt with these in-person lessons.
Laura Wood, the Executive Director of KING, talked with ACL Radio’s Chris Mosser about the new practices the non-profit has incorporated in order to continue sharing the power of music. The nonprofit organization established virtual music lessons.
“We currently work with about 130 teachers, they were able to help us within a week pivot to virtual lessons.” Most of the students involved in KING have access to these lessons at home because their school districts provided them with laptops once campuses closed. Wood said the organization is working to get creative to “bring them the joy in music,” including virtual dance parties.
KING also received new funding this week, the organization is now an Impact Austin Grant Honoree. The program received a $25,000 grant to assist with recruitment and provide resources for the kids, including laptops and equipment needed to proceed with one-on-one mentoring.
With this month being National Foster Care Awareness Month, the nonprofit created a virtual fundraiser called Foster the Music to spread awareness on the creative outlet their kids turn to during these troubling times.
“We’re raising funds and raising donations and general awareness of our mission this month of what we’re doing and how we’re really changing the lives of these kids. And we’re giving them a platform to change their lives forever.”
