I learned about SHK from an article in a local newspaper in 2009 and immediately called them and offered to volunteer as a music educator. I showed up with my guitars and keyboards in tow at the first event which was Easter egg hunt/ Manners & Etiquette brunch not knowing what to expect . Groups of kids arrived in buses from local foster group homes and homeless shelters, they were mostly ages 13-17 and were shy and not too open to communicate but I was warned about it before the event and was encouraged to be proactive and talk to the kids and get to know them. The stories I heard were simply heartbreaking - one boy told me how scared he was of turning 18 in just a couple of months since he lived in foster homes his entire life and had no idea how would he survive in the world with none to help him and take care of him, he had no idea what he would do when foster care system will "release" him once he will turn 18. Another boy was adopted from a Russian orphanage as a small child but than his new American family didn't want him anymore after a couple of years and gave him over into a foster care system , after all the years he is agonizing over what did he do wrong for his adoptive parents to stop loving him , he was just completely lost and in so much pain...
The vent started with some refreshments and mingling , than lunched was served and several motivational speakers gave short, simple but very impactful presentations on basic life skills - perfect for teens, than we broke in groups by interests - some kids were lining up to try playing guitars and keyboards ( I brought one more teacher to help me ) , some kids were doing art projects, some were learning to use tools for handy work, some girls were getting a make over with a professional make up artist ! At the end there was a great band playing , everyone was dancing and singing . Every face was simply beaming at the end of the event! I volunteered at almost every Christmas and Easter event since than, SHK inspires kids and gives them hope in humanity after all the disappointments they had in their short lives , provides mentorship they need so much . I highly recommend this organization
Sara Levy
www.magicmusic.com
Safety Harbor Kids is a charity born of the heart to serve the cause of helping disadvantaged children. You an donate and know that your money goes to the kids with SHK's 39% average expense ratio.
I told one friend about SHK and he went to the store, bought Christmas presents for four children. He donated the toys to SHK and they wrapped them, put the childrens names on them and placed them under the trees so the orphans, foster and homeless children could have a gift for the holidays! This is one of the best formulas on earth. AND you get to see the childrens smiles as they open their gifts! My friend was deeply touched and became a member of SHK.