The Change Companies® was pleased to welcome country music artist Mark Collie, Tammy Collie and representatives from CoreCivic to our headquarters in January to work on a very special project: developing a songwriting/storytelling program called My Song for Life.
The seeds of My Song for Life were planted decades ago, when Mark, in an effort to serve inmates in his home state of Tennessee, would travel to Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary with his guitar and perform for inmates there. Before long, the inmates themselves got involved, writing and sharing songs about life, hope, family and lessons learned.
Today, Mark and Tammy’s 10-week program has touched the lives of hundreds of inmates across multiple facilities. In addition to allowing participants to share their unique stories through song, the Collies say they have seen the program increase people’s hope and sense of confidence, improve cooperation and collaboration among inmates and give participants the ability to process difficult feelings and experiences in a positive and creative way. The program culminates with a live concert performed for other inmates, complete with guitars, drums and shakers.
CoreCivic, the Collies and The Change Companies® are working together to bring the evidence-based practice of Interactive Journaling® and a comprehensive Facilitator Guide to My Song for Life. This approach will broaden the program’s scope and impact, allowing musicians to implement it in correctional facilities nationwide.
To learn more about The Change Companies®’ product offerings for justice services populations, contact us at (888) 889-8866.