On this episode of community corner, Brother Love sits down with Jenny Dominelli and Joshua George of The Beat of Life. The CEO and President of the organization, Jenny Dominelli, started the organization after experiencing the healing power of music in her own life. Dominelli’s father was incarcerated during her teen years, and she turned to music to help process her hardship. Songwriting, playing, and listening allowed Domenilli to feel less alone and isolated. In these crucial years, she found her calling; to help people with music.
She began working for independent organizations who wanted to bring music and music education into low income areas. Dominelli, who had earned a degree in social work, thought this line of work was perfect as it combined both of her passions. However, she quickly found out that the music budgets of these organizations quickly shrunk or were cut when financial issues arose. Thus, she set out to start her own organization.
The Beat of Life was born! The organization has become most well known for helping incarcerated communities with music. Most often, the organization enters prisons, gathers participants, and facilitates them into collaboration and self-expression through songwriting.
Dominelli met Johsua George in prison on an outreach event. Once incarcerated, George realized that his life would only change if he changed. While in prison he signed up for every outreach organization including The Beat of Life. His experience changed his life for the better. He has dedicated his time to helping people with similar situations as him with music ever since.
Not only does The Beat of Life help in the prison system, they also help in other fields. The first, Beautiful Minds, dedicates its resources to supporting those with mental illness. Dominelli notes that mental illness looks very different than what people may expect and go undetected for a long time. The second branch, Anthems of Change, focuses on helping teenagers deal with the increasing struggles of the modern day. Furthermore, The Beat of Life is hosting a golf tournament on October 9th. This event includes a day of golf, an open buffet, an open bar, and a live show at the end of the day. For more information on the golf tournament and The Beat of Life as a whole click here.
Read more: Community Corner – The Beat of Life
