Catholic Charities New York and Covenant House New York have unveiled a new state-of-the-art music studio, made possible by a $200,000 grant from the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Designed as both a creative space and a source of healing, the studio provides homeless youth with an opportunity to explore their musical talents, express themselves, and develop the confidence to build a brighter future. 

Covenant House NY, part of the Catholic Charities federation of agencies, shelters over 1,500 young people each year, offering essential services such as housing, education, job training, and counseling. Now, through music, these young people have an additional path toward personal and professional growth. 

Dr. Shakeema North-Albert, CEO of Covenant House New York, highlighted the impact of this new initiative:

We want to help our young people overcome homelessness, not just by providing a bed or food, but also by offering key support services that help them sustain themselves beyond this space. Part of that is opening their minds to the possibilities that are out there so they can tap into their goals and dreams.

For many youth, access to a professional music studio was previously out of reach. Shanice Williams, a young performer at the studio’s grand opening, spoke about how life-changing this opportunity is for her. “Before this studio, I had to mooch off friends’ studio time because I couldn’t afford it. Now, I have the tools and confidence to keep going.” She also emphasized the power of music as a form of self-expression. “When you sing, people relate so much to music. You’re able to say how you feel, pour your heart into something, and express it in that way.” 

Beyond being a space to create music, the studio also provides critical support for young people overcoming trauma. Many at Covenant House have faced hardships such as homelessness, abandonment, and even human trafficking. Dr. North-Albert noted, “The music studio is not just a place for creativity—it’s a therapeutic space that allows young people to process trauma and use the power of creative arts as they journey toward healing.” 

The music studio is also supported by Republic Records, which will provide artist development workshops and mentorship, introducing young people to industry professionals and helping them explore potential careers in music. These workshops will equip them with not only musical skills but also a deeper understanding of the music business, opening doors to opportunities they may never have considered. 

For Catholic Charities New York, this project is part of a larger commitment to empowering vulnerable youth. By providing resources that go beyond immediate relief, Catholic Charities helps young people build independence and create a foundation for their future. Whether through housing, education, job training, or now music, Catholic Charities remains dedicated to ensuring every young person has the support they need to succeed. 

This music studio is just one example of how Catholic Charities continues to transform lives. It’s not just about making music—it’s about giving young people a space to heal, dream, and take their first steps toward a future filled with possibility, one note at a time.