As 2015 draws to a close, we are reminded about just how far we have come, how fast things have been moving and just how amazing a year it has been for Developing Melodies (and myself personally)!
Here are some highlights:
*Grant Recipient: We were fortunate to be a part of writing and receiving a grant to provide services at an Rogy’s Learning Place in Normal, IL. This affords us the opportunity to provide group services in each of the classrooms in the center, offering the children the opportunity to grow and learn with the addition of music to the already in-depth curriculum!
*School-based Services: Though early in our year we had lost a contract with a great school district due to the states never-ending budget crisis, we were fortunate to advocate and ultimately succeed in implementing school-based services on a single IEP for a student in our local school district. While a single child is far different than an entire district, this is a HUGE win for both Music Therapy and the Children receiving services! Music Therapy was added to a child’s IEP because, following a special education music therapy assessment, it was deemed necessary for that child’s education and growth. Change was significant when music therapy was added to address his/her goals.
*Music Therapy Center: Of course, the BIGGEST news from 2015 is that we have opened the doors to the FIRST Music Therapy Center in Bloomington-Normal. Our doors opened October 1, with our official Ribbon Cutting on December 3. The support from our community members has been outstanding and as we grow into our space, we are excited to offer even more opportunities for community music making, music therapy and special events in the coming year.
*New Team Members: With our growth, we have had a necessary move to add more team members so that we may actively serve the needs of our community. Janel and Brian have been a great addition to our team. Janel has filled in a major role as Music Therapist at several locations throughout Bloomington-Normal, and Brian has begun teaching guitar and piano (in addition to running his own studio!). We are thankful for these additions!
*McLean County Chamber of Commerce: Something that I have been excited about doing for a long time and now that I have a brick and mortar building, I have joined the chamber. This allows myself and my employees to network and learn from a variety of professionals from a number of different business worlds. We have networking events, education seminars and great opportunities for growth as we embark on this new partnership.
In 2016, Even more exciting things will be happening… the first of which begins on January 4th! We are recipients of another grant for services with the Residential Treatment Program of the Baby Fold! This is something that we have been working towards for several years and are thankful to have received this awesome opportunity. Be on the lookout for more information regarding this partnership on facebook and here on the blog!
We are thankful to those who support our small business and advocacy efforts for music therapy and we are so excited to start 2016 with you! Check out all of the really great things that we will be offering in the coming year!
Happy New Year!
