Dear Friends,
Welcome to Spring!
Our Beyond Trauma-Youth Music Therapy programs continue to thrive and have a positive impact on our students, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Our music therapists report that this school year has been like no other. The amount of need that the students are presenting is off the charts. In addition to concerns about catching COVID, the students are also trying to navigate through each day dealing with their own traumas. These kids have a tremendous amount of anxiety - due to COVID, not feeling safe at home, and now additional worries that they will die in a war with Russia.
However, we have many success stories to share with you in this newsletter. These successes would not be possible without your continued support. The need to replicate our program is stronger than ever. Toward that end, we are looking into collaborative opportunities to replicate our program not only in other schools, but in other settings. I look forward to updating you on our progress.
I’m very pleased to report a key success in the area of Domestic Violence! VAWA has been reauthorized until 2027! This could not have happened without the bipartisan support it needed. Although it should not have taken so long, I congratulate the legislators who recognize the life-saving impact on victims and their families this law provides. There are many additional aspects included in the bill that expand vital protections. What amazing news!
Please mark your calendars - we have two amazing fundraisers coming up! The first is on May 6th at Mohegan Sun, the night of Michael’s concert there. Once again, we’re grateful for the generosity of the Mohegan Tribe, for donating the Tribal box for the event. Please go here on The MBC website to learn how you can join in for what will be a wonderful evening of music from Michael and his band, and great food!
Plus, one more for your calendar! Our summer event will be held on Friday, August 19th at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. Details coming soon.
Plans are actively underway for a national symposium on the issue of Domestic Violence as a human rights matter, to be held later this year. The symposium will be hosted by Governor Ned Lamont, State of Connecticut, former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd and Michael Bolton. The symposium will bring together experts in the field who will discuss evidenced-based programs, interventions and the necessary action steps required to eradicate the epidemic of domestic violence.
A few additional updates:
- Michael was the keynote speaker at the Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas this month. He shared the work of The Michael Bolton Charities, how he began on this journey and his advocacy in working toward the reauthorization of VAWA. And, on May 19th he will be an honoree and guest speaker at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center event in Darien, CT. We are proud of the recognition and honor he is receiving for his work!
- Congratulations to Eva Bunnell, our board president, for her appointment to the President’s Committee for People with Disabilities! You will make a tremendous difference for all, and we are proud of you!
- Lastly, just a reminder that you can join our Legacy Circle with a gift through your will or estate. Please visit our website michaelboltoncharities.com for details.
Thank you, as always, for continuing to stand by our side; thank you for your belief in the work of The MBC; thank you for making this work possible. You are amazing!
Warmest wishes,
Jackie Smaga
Executive Director
