OUR STORY
Music has always been an important element of life in our family. As children music was woven into our daily life. My father played guitar from a young age. Throughout my childhood he worked in the Ovation Guitar Shop at Kaman, in Moosup, CT. Today he still plays his guitar and he is well into his eighties. As a child I recall that my mother used music to help us learn academic concepts that we struggled with. Growing up, almost every family gathering included a live band. My siblings, extended family, and my own children continue my father’s legacy of making music to entertain, soothe the soul, and grow academically. Music is an integral part of our family fabric and we love to share this passion with others. |
A few years ago, we were exposed to music therapy and its countless benefits for individuals with disabilities. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, my nephew began using music therapy as one of his many interventions to accomplish specific goals. Over the years, we have learned a lot about the many treatments available for individuals with disabilities, however, this type of therapy stood out to me as something unique. There are countless stories told by families and providers within the disability community about how music therapy can aid and strengthen these individuals' daily lives, and the success and joy we observed in my nephew, along with others in the program, was beyond moving.
Our hearts are broken by the overwhelming obstacles these families face daily, due to costly medical expenses, health complications, endless appointments, and the underlying loneliness and isolation created by these circumstances. These challenges are not temporary, but rather are a lifetime of hurdles that they must navigate daily. It is a marathon set before them, with no end in sight. As I have prayed about how to help solve these problems, I believe the Father has, in His perfect timing, led me to create this foundation, The Duet Project; and to partner with Intentional Legacy to raise funding to sponsor and support families within the disability community of Georgia.
Our mission at The Duet Project, is to provide music therapy scholarships for children and adults with disabilities, by connecting donors with the families who are providing care. Through generous donations, we hope to alleviate just one of the countless burdens on these families, while also affording them a musical and therapeutic approach that soothes the soul.
To learn more about music therapy head over to our Mission page. We hope that you will join us in sustaining the sweet notes of life for these families!
Karen Dernavich
Founder of The Duet Project
duetprojectinfo@gmail.com
Founder of The Duet Project
duetprojectinfo@gmail.com