An Innovative Approach to Mental health

Rooted in the proven principles of music therapy, but delivered through urban music in a professional studio, Beat Builders is designed for marginalized, racialized, and justice-involved male youth to help improve their mental health while learning skills directly applicable to music and technology-related industries. This weekly program, with age-based groups, runs for 14 consecutive weeks, culminating in a graduation celebration to showcase youth’s amazing musical accomplishments.  Beat Builders has admission dates spread over the year, and provides food and transportation help to ensure accessibility to all potential participants.

Due to stigmatization and non-culturally informed programming in mental health care, racialized and marginalized youth have often gone underserved, with limited access to meaningful and impactful mental health care. Youth mental health needs are growing – as a community, we need innovative ways to address these unmet needs. Beat Builders seeks to revolutionize how music therapy is utilized to address these inequities by providing a doorway to clinical support through urban music culture. The program will foster creativity, build belonging, and promote productive self-expression in youth with support from a clinician, youth worker, and music professional.

This program is FREE and meals and snacks are provided!

Program eligibility

• Male youth between the ages of 14-24
• Self-Identify as racialized or a member of the BIPOC community
• History of or risk of involvement with the youth justice system or adult criminal justice system
• Interest in mental health improvements
• Interest in music production and/or technical skill-development
• Ready to commit to engage in each session in a positive way and to be respectful of others in the program.

REFERRAL PROCESS

We accept referrals from Probation Officers, Social Workers, Custody Facilities and other professionals working with youth. Previous youth justice involvement is not a requirement for participating youth.

NEW: Self-referrals are also now possible – if you are an interested youth, just use the link or email below!