Hello Dear Friends,
Music has been so important to me during the time of COVID-19. I have gone down several rabbit holes, on YouTube, following videos from old Australian bands from the 1970's (my childhood), which lead me to classics like "Summer Love" by Sherbet, and "Baby it's You" by the Promises. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for fun I included a link for you to listen to
Sherbet
, below.
You may wonder why I am posting and writing about music this month, and asking what does that have to do with vulnerable children in North Texas with special needs? For me, music is a magical way to find a good mental health balance and relieve stress.
July is
Mental Health Awareness Month,
and the 500 children we are currently serving and their families can access music and other creative therapies with us through our current summer education program
"Bryan's House at Home".
Through our Social Services department, we are also providing mental health medical access, crisis intervention and other tools for families use to find beneficial and successful ways to cope.
The next financial year 20-21 started on July 1, and our new Bryan's House Ambassadors are working hard to advocate and raise awareness. We will be focusing on developing new initiatives using art, color, and music for our families and children, led by new BH Ambassador, Maxine Trowbridge. Stay tuned for more news soon on that impactful initiative.
Honoring Rust E. Reid - 20+ years
We had the pleasure of honoring retiring Board Member, "Rusty", who has served the agency for over 20 years. Folks went by his home two weeks ago (practicing social distancing), for a
Drive-Way Drive-By Party
that was arranged as a surprise by daughter Rev. Dorothy Budd, his family and our teams. His dedication and talents have helped to grow and sustain the agency - impacting over 20,000 lives during his 4 terms. WOW. You will be missed!
Thank you all for leaning in to help the agency during these challenging times. Your support, outreach and interest in our mission is why we do what we do - and do it with excellence. Together, we are providing direct grassroots impact for those most vulnerable, to ease the lives of ALL the children with special needs in North Texas. Scroll down for more fun news, photos and more.
Warm wishes,
Abigail
Abigail Erickson-Torres
CEO, Bryan's House
