When I started my job as the Chaplain for the Hutchinson Correctional Facility Maximum Security Unit, I took a group of residents into the Rotunda and told them we have a goal/mission. To save every soul and put hope in every heart. To that end, every program and activity associated with the Spiritual Life Center needs to feed that goal. When the Warden introduced me to Holly, we not only connected quickly but I could see through her experiences how this type of music could not just educate but feed the souls of our population. The outcome was more than I expected. The feedback from staff and residents was varied in their expression but the tone was the same – excitement about how beautiful and life affirming live music done well can be, which feeds our goal. As part of the board, I want to make sure this opportunity not only continues in the facility but continues to grow. I also want to find a way to reach this population before they are incarcerated. You don’t always have to “scare” someone straight, there just needs to be another option they didn’t see or know about before. Music has that power to touch us and change us in a moment, we all know it from our own lives. We need our music to be a force in their lives like other genres.”
