One area nonprofit organization is preparing to celebrate its 8th year in Madisonville by involving members in two upcoming community events. Since Light of Chance Breathe moved into the Rosenwald-Smith Multicultural Center, more than 70 students from grades 5-12 have participated in the program.

Breathe is an after-school program that provides art, music, dance and creative writing classes to area youth, said Eric Logan, director and founder of the organization.

“One of our goals is that we can take these kids into the community and give them the whole show,” Logan said. “We are almost there.”

On Thursday, three students from the program will sing during the half-time show at the Browning Springs/James Madison game.

The students will perform a song, “Take My Hand,” which they wrote following the suicide of a local girl who was said to be bullied at school.

“They’re writing these songs, and the thing is, they’re really good. I listen to them in my car,” Logan said. “It is also something very emotional and very therapeutic for these kids. It is a good way for them to get their feelings out.”

Program veteran Vonshae Matchem, 15, has been with Light of Chance Breath since the program opened March 27. Matchem is working with four other members of the group on a song about the life of Martin Luther King Jr., which will be performed at 5 p.m. Saturday during Hopkins County’s 29th Annual Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Word of Faith Christian Center.

“I just hope that people come and see what we can do,” she said. “You’ll be missing out on something big if you don’t come.”

Logan says the performances are a great way to teach kids about their community and show the community the talent local youths possess.

Singers are not the only talent the group will showcase this week. The art class will present a mural honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the singing group performs.

Participants have access to the group classrooms, music, art and dance studios for work on their pieces.
This is something that Logan is proud of.

After months of repairing and painting, he and other volunteers have created a place that is welcoming and safe for the kids, he said.

“We painted everything bright colors to evoke thought and cheer,” he said. “We really wanted to make people feel welcome. So far, so good.”

Participants in the program agree, Matchem said.

“I come for the music, the performances and the support,” she said.

Savannah Oglesby Messenger Staff Writer Soglesby [at] themessenger [dot] com