Our History
"The Spirit of Goodwill" Band is a music program to improve the social and recreational skills, community integration, and personal adjustment for people with disabilities. The participant singers and musicians are characterized by a variety of physical, intellectual, and psychological disabilities.
The program started in 1981. Through a partnership with the rehabilitation professionals and personalized instruction,, participants gained confidence, knowledge and skills to play a variety of instruments. The band performs outside Goodwill occasionally at events where their performance provides a positive message about people with disabilities. When not practicing, the band participants work at Goodwill jobs receiving training and employment services designed to help them achieve work skills.
The musical experience has had a profound impact on the participants' lives, helping them develop new skills, confidence, independent living skills, together with an enormous feeling of accomplishment and pride from the joy and satisfaction of making music. Thanks to this program, they have overcome many barriers in their social life, learning to see themselves as productive citizens and valuable individuals and have inspired many people with their talents.
