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October 16, 2012

Gabriel’s House adds music program to children’s delight

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Area youths are getting an opportunity to explore their musical talents.

The Gabriel’s House added a music section to its usual after-school programming.

Through the new music program, Gabriel’s House participants are driven to The Well, where they get to sing along with motions and will get an opportunity to play instruments, including the drums.

“We’ve had music before,” Karla Buchanan, administrative director, said. “We decided to things a little differently. We’re wanting the kids to be more interactive in singing.”

The new program in Gabriel’s House is aimed at getting the students to used their energy and get exercise while the music is playing.

While music is a focus of the non-profit organization, the youths get to take part in other activities in Gabriel’s House, including art, dancing and karate.

Every year, Gabriel’s House has an art show and an art auction, both of which draw attention to program and what the children do.

The art auction also helps to raise some funds to maintain the organization and its programs.

The organization also receives some funding from the United Way of Stephens County, although the organization can always use more funding.

There are three locations for Gabriel’s House, including a house near Emerson, Mark Twain and Woodrow Wilson elementary schools.

The program not only functions on donations, but also operates on volunteer labor.

This is the 15th year for Gabriel’s, which was founded by Bonnie Talley, executive director.

The program was initially founded as a safe haven for younger children after school, but has evolved into a place aimed at enhancing the lives of children.

Buchanan said people initially dismissed Gabriel’s House as an after-school daycare.

But people are learning what the children do through the program.

They learn. They get creative. They find ways to be active.

“We do so much more than have them come here,” Buchanan said.

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