Local residents reach out to those in need

By HEIDI BECKER
Special to The Citizen

Ray Nelson and his wife Louise were living in California in 1992 and had already raised their four children when they where approached by social services to be foster parents to two young boys and two girls beginning what they call their “second family.”

This experience as foster parents, along with Nelson’s background as a professional musician, inspired him to start Guitars Not Guns, an organization whose mission is to provide free guitars and lessons to foster children, youth at risk and other children with unfortunate circumstances.

Nelson recognized the positive effects of music for children and saw music as a means to help empower them, build their self esteem and to keep kids away from destructive behavior. To this end, he began collecting unused guitars from his friends and donating them to area foster children in the community.

By 2002, Guitars Not Guns became a federally exempt nonprofit organization and the first official guitar class was held.

Currently, the program has spread nationwide with chapters in seven states with seventeen states pending application. Chapters in Switzerland and Canada have recently been formed.

Classes consist of up to 12 children and three volunteer teachers who meet with the children once a week for eight weeks. Each participant is given an acoustic guitar to “check out” for his use as well as music books to take home for practice.

At the end of the eight week session a graduation ceremony and recital is held where family and friends are invited to attend. Each child is given a certificate of achievement, and as a surprise, they are given their guitar to keep for life.

“Unfortunately, some foster children move around a lot, especially the older ones. They usually have very little to pack up and take with them.” Nelson stated. “This gives them something of their own to take from place to place. A guitar can be a very good friend. By exposing children and teens to music, we hope to engage their creative potential. These children could be your next superstars!” Nelson added.

In January of this year the Nelsons relocated to Peachtree City and our local community has become the next beneficiary of their program. The first Guitars Not Guns graduating class in Georgia will be a group of 11 students who live on campus at Christian City’s Home for Children.

Classes have been meeting every Tuesday for the past five weeks and a graduation ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 14 on Christian City’s campus in Union City.

Bob Crutchfield, President and CEO of Christian City, is very impressed with the program and the benefits the children are receiving. “Our children are learning invaluable skills that will last a lifetime.” he stated. “This is a wonderful investment in their future and I am grateful to the Nelsons and the volunteers for this opportunity for our children.”

Guitars Not Guns has several ways in which you can aid the organization: donate a guitar, become a teacher, help with fundraising or volunteer.

For more information on Guitars Not Guns access their Web site at www.guitarsnotguns.org or contact Ray Nelson at 770-487-8007. For further information on Christian City’s Home for Children please access www.christiancity.org or call 678-703-2636.

Heidi Becker is president of Heidi Becker Public Relations specializing in nonprofit organizations. You can email her at heidibecker3@aol.com.

login to post comments