About US
Mission Statement
Hope, Healing and Joy is a branch of Free Spirit Conservatory of the Arts, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Sunset Beach NC. We are dedicated to using our vast resources to promote wellness through the healing power of the performing arts. Hope, Healing and Joy provides a variety of musicians, entertainers, and performers to make this possible. Our enthusiastic entertainers perform at healthcare, assisted-living and retirement facilities, community centers, domestic abuse shelters, prisons, and wherever such need exists. We are fortunate to be able to fulfill our mission through the generous contributions of donors, grants and volunteers.
Hope
HHJ understands the power of music and community. As an actionable arm of The Free Spirit Conservatory for the Arts we hope to bridge the gap between musicians looking to earn a living while exploring their chosen trade and the need for quality therapeutic activities for our ever growing elderly and infirmed citizenry. The immediate outpouring of support for this cause from musicians, facilities and community works fortifies our hope that HHJ can make a lasting impact in Brunswick county and beyond. Lest we forget the beautiful graciously donated pianos that will find a second life in our care.
Healing
People of all ages and conditions benefit from listening to or making music, as it gives them an outlet for creativity, socialization, and mental stimulation. Our music therapists use songs with distinctive themes, lyrics, instruments, and rhythms to help participants relax. This slows down the heart rate and lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol. The effect particularly allows seniors and the infirmed to feel calmer, grounded and physically more capable of relaxing. Music is a powerful healing tool. As arbiters of this craft HHJ and FSCA strive to put the tools to use to heal our community.
Joy
Let’s face it this is obviously the best, most selfish part. It gives us great joy to ply our craft and creatively collaborate with artists of all ilk to bring this vision to fruition. To all the players, teachers, administrators, accountants, and support staff necessary to make this project flourish, we applaud and Thank YOU!!!
O friends, no more these sounds!
– Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
Let us sing more cheerful songs,
more full of joy!