Detra joined Harmony while incarcerated at The Ohio Reformatory for Women, where singing gave her a family and a future. In her own words, Harmony helped her feel seen and valued in ways she never imagined. After serving a 19-year sentence, Detra was released in July 2024, and is now employed by Harmony as the Executive Assistant to Creative Director David Brown. Detra is living proof of the impact of Harmony’s mission.

Edwin and his family came to the U.S. only a few years ago in search of safety and a better quality of life. Speaking no English, Edwin began attending Columbus Global Academy and Columbus International High School, where Harmony offers an arts enrichment program for high school students. With each rehearsal and performance, Edwin gains confidence, perfects his English language skills, makes friends, and redefines what is possible for him in his pursuit of the American dream. Edwin is living proof that investing in our students through the arts yields measurable results.

Living with cerebral palsy, Angela says she felt cut off from social connection. Isolation brought depression and left Angela feeling unseen and unheard. Eleven years ago, Angela joined Harmony as a way to lessen the isolation. In her words, Harmony has given her the “freedom of voice” she longed for, and the discovery that she has something to contribute to the community around her. Angela has sung with and worked beside Harmony volunteers, performing for audiences across Central Ohio. Angela is living proof that everyone has something to contribute to their community and every voice deserves to be heard.

Give today. Follow our social media to witness the living proof stories of the people we are privileged to serve each and every day. When you give at any amount, you will be provided an opportunity to share YOUR living proof story as a way to inspire a New American teenager, a differently-abled adult, or someone impacted by the judicial system.

Give today, and your gift goes to work today. YOU will be the living proof to those we serve that the people of our community have not forgotten them. You see them. You hear them. You are listening when they sing. You are cheering when they perform. You are working side-by-side with them to build a community in harmony.