Community Kids Connection

Kaiser Permanente matches Children's Fund of San Bernardino. $6,000 now raised! 

by Kristina Penny and Steve Vodhanel

Founded by LLU School of Pharmacy associate professor, Dr. Kathryn Knecht, CKC – Music has been a successful part of the LLU student-led Healthy Neighborhoods Projects, teaching youth musicians between the ages of 3 and 17 how to play violin, viola, cello, and piano. CKC – Music performed for four different community groups over the holidays, and is looking to schedule other events in the future. CKC – Music is playing an important role for increasing children's interest in music in a very underserved area of San Bernardino.

Recently, the Children's Fund of San Bernardino awarded the CKC – Music program with a $3,000 grant to match any funds raised specifically for equipment and supplies. Shortly following this announcement, Kaiser Permanente matched this grant with an additional $3,000! "The Children's Fund donation matched by the generosity of Kaiser Permanente is something that we can not only be proud of, but also proud to know these funds are aiding the musical education of children here in the local community. Our heartfelt thanks to the Children's Fund of San Bernardino and Kaiser Permanente," states Dr. Knecht.

CKC – Music program is a collaborative effort between music students at La Sierra University, students at LLU, and community volunteers. “Some of the children learn music in school but can’t afford private lessons, and many do not even have access to music at all,” states Dr. Knecht. The program is designed to benefit both children and their student mentors. Teaching in the community, especially with children, gives mentors valuable experience in developing necessary social skills for working with people which is greatly required in the medical and health fields.

Currently, CKC – Music is seeking more piano and string-instrument mentors, whether students or faculty at LLU. “Whether or not mentors realize that it’s good for them, I think it’s really important that they learn to see individuals in a community as real people, to see their circumstances and understand who they are, and not just look at them as a patient who needs their blood pressure taken. Plus…it’s a lot of fun...,” says Dr. Knecht.

Those wishing to volunteer with CKC – Music are encouraged to contact CAPS for more information at (909) 651-5011. CKC – Music holds weekly practice sessions at the SACHS clinic every Wednesday beginning at 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to donate any funds, please contact CAPS or Dr. Knecht at (909) 558-7523.