For some, childhood can be unpredictable, with nowhere to turn for enrichment or relief.
As a child of the foster care system, life for Sadie was just like this. When her foster family discovered the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s Sistema NB Program funded by the United Way, music became that comforting constant that Sadie so needed. Listening to her recorded sessions while getting ready for school motivated her to get through the day. Weekend practice gave her a creative outlet for her emotions. Spontaneous outbreaks of song filled the house with laughter.
Not only has Sistema NB helped Sadie make new friends and cherished memories, however; in her and her peers, it has fostered incredible growth in talent, musical education, and feelings of purpose and belonging. In under four months, Sadie and her peers went from not being able to read sheet music to sight reading in six keys and writing music of their own.
Thanks to the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and the United Way Central NB, Sadie and kids like her can access the enrichment they need no matter the barrier.