By Michele Owen—
MUNCIE, IN—Project Paradise was first established in 2024, with the mission to reduce violence and improve wellness among at-risk youth and young adults in Muncie. The registered nonprofit provides free access to musical education, studio recording, music engineering, photography, videography, and art classes as a way to empower, support, and engage young people.
“I’ve been working with kids since I started doing music at a young age, and I can tell how big of impact it has on their lives – down to their confidence levels, their behavior at home, and at school,” says founder Marquiese McClendon. McClendon was hired by Habitat for Humanity to run the program in the community. Project Paradise is staffed by individuals who are open about having made mistakes and learned from experience.
The long-term goal of the program is to use music as a tool to teach trauma recovery, violence prevention, and conflict resolution. The free program includes meditation, therapy, mentorship, and other life skills instruction – along with access to 1:1 professional studio recording and a 16-week curriculum. “Project Paradise helps kids express themselves and deal with their trauma in a ‘cool way’,” explains McClendon. Anyone can join the program by calling 765-621-4919, or signing up in person at the new studio.
The public is invited at 1 pm on Thursday, June 20th, for a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the new facility, which is located at 1310 E McGalliard Road.
[su_gmap address=”1310 E McGalliard Road, Muncie Indiana”]
