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Our Kidde Hero of the Week spotlights an organization called Guitars Over Guns.
Kix read this story on CNN's website and wanted to share it with you:
Chad Bernstein of Miami, Florida, is a professional musician who wanted to help kids through the power of music! So, he created the non-profit called Guitars Over Guns for at-risk children. It pairs middle-school students with professional musicians who provide free instrument instruction and mentorship.
Once in the program, kids get to try out all the instruments and then choose the one they want to learn. Then, they’re paired with a mentor and they’ll go throughout that year learning how to play the instrument, music fundamentals and songwriting. By the end of the year, they would have performed on stage, recorded in a studio and have a very close relationship with that mentor.
Since 2008, Chad's organization has worked with more than 225 students in Miami-Dade County. He says his group has seen more than a 90% increase in academic performance and school attendance of students in the program.
Chad says his hopes for the children are that their vision of the world and of themselves is changed in some way. He hopes that they hold themselves to high standards, and that they realize there's a whole world out there that they can definitely be a part of! Chad says music changed his life and he knows the impact it can have on others…especially children!
For more information on Guitars Over Guns and how they're changing the lives of kids, visit their official website.
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!