HARMONY, HOPE & HEALING
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Mission Statement
Founded in 2003, Harmony, Hope & Healing (HHH) provides music programs at shelters, residential facilities and community centers located in Chicago’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. By creating a safe environment, HHH programs support women, men and children as they heal from traumas associated with homelessness, addictions, violence, incarceration and isolation. Utilizing the transformative power of music, HHH programs improve the quality of participants’ lives by fostering the development of key life skills i.e., stress management, communication, parenting; building a sense of community and nurturing hope for a better future. HHH helps individuals become independent, emotionally and socially healthy members of society.
About This Cause
Mission Statement Harmony, Hope & Healing (HHH) creates a safe environment where vulnerable individuals and families heal and rebuild through the restorative power of music. History Harmony, Hope & Healing originated from the individual volunteer work initiated by founder and Executive Director, Margaret Nykaza, D. Min. While pursuing her Master’s Degree at Loyola University, a social ethics professor challenged Ms. Nykaza to examine access to the arts as a social justice issue. Ms. Nykaza responded by developing and instituting a music program at St. Martin de Porres House of Hope, a shelter which serves homeless women in recovery and their children. Ms. Nykaza discovered that not only did her program bring the joy and beauty of music into the participants’ daily lives, but that it also had a positive impact on their social, emotional and spiritual health. The program was so highly regarded by participants and staff alike that, Ms. Nykaza expanded her services to five sites within the next two years. As a result of these successes, Ms. Nykaza formalized her work and HHH was granted status as a 501(c) 3 organization in 2003. On-Site Programs As of January 2017, Harmony, Hope & Healing provides on-site music programs to women, men, adolescents and families in collaboration with thirteen shelters, residential programs, and community outreach organizations located in some of Chicago’s most poverty-stricken and violence-ridden communities. Our current program sites include: • St. Martin de Porres House of Hope (since 2000), a shelter for women in recovery • Margaret’s Village (formerly known as The Institute of Women Today) o Maria Shelter (2001), a shelter for homeless women and their children o Vincennes Senior Center (2001), a community outreach program for seniors o Believe Shelter (2015), a shelter for homeless, intact families • St. Leonard’s Ministries o Sr. Jean Hughes Adult High School (2012), an educational program for formerly incarcerated women and men; o Grace House (2013), a residential program for formerly incarcerated women o St. Leonard’s House (2014), a residential program for formerly incarcerated men • Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (2013), a residential program for at-risk adolescents • The Ignatian Spirituality Project (2013), a retreat program for homeless adults in recovery • DuPage Pads (2016), an interim and permanent housing program for homeless adults • Cook County Jail-Women’s Division (2017), a pre-detention facility • The Primo Center for Women and Children (2017), an interim and permanent housing program for homeless women and children • Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center (2017), an outpatient treatment facility for adults in recovery Through the restorative power of music and circle processes, HHH creates safe space where individuals and families can come together to develop the necessary emotional and spiritual resources and daily life skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and abuse. In the circle, everyone is treated equally and with dignity and respect. Individuals are given the freedom to be themselves; to share their feelings and stories in appropriate ways and to build healthy relationships with other members of the circle, their family members and the wider community. Participants are exposed to a variety of music genres, different cultures and new ways of thinking. They learn that we are all human and share the same hopes and dreams for the future. Readings and discussions reinforce the spirituality of 12 step recovery programs. Through breathing and vocal exercises, participants learn techniques that can reduce stress and promote positive changes in behaviors. Singing and playing instruments helps develop one’s focus and listening skills and reinforces the concept that one’s voice is a powerful tool to be used to advocate for oneself, as well as express one’s uniqueness. Performance opportunities build one’s confidence and self-esteem. Community Engagement Program Harmony, Hope & Healing’s Community Engagement Program consists of the following components: • HHH Ensemble and Choir - Adult participants have the opportunity to perform with HHH ensemble members at approximately 30 events a year. These performance opportunities help participants develop self-confidence and have a positive impact on the public’s perception of homeless, marginalized people. HHH has inspired thousands throughout Chicagoland by revealing the potential of the human spirit to be transformed. • Music Program Internship and Assistantship – HHH’s music interns and assistants, all of whom are former program participants, serve as positive role models for current participants as well as gain leadership skills and work experience. Interns and assistants co-facilitate on-site programs, co-lead rehearsals, attend performances and chaperone field trips. Interns and assistants interact with a variety of audiences; exposing them to new experiences, new ways of thinking and new ways of behaving. • Field Trips – HHH has developed an ongoing relationship with the Auditorium Theatre through its One for One Partners program and with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. HHH receives tickets and transportation assistance for program participants to attend a variety of musical and cultural events throughout the year.