everaging her experience in the music industry, Thread of Hope Records (TOHR) was founded by CEO, Bonita Mitchell and has been working with young artists since 1999 in talent development and music production. But it was in 2001, after hearing about a young student who committed suicide at Bonita’s high school, that the purpose and vision for Thread of Hope Records would change forever. Bonita and her team were asked to bring the label’s newest music artist, Katie Gugiere, to the school to perform her hit song, “I’m Saving Myself” as a means to empower their youth and help them through the grieving process of their friend and very popular student. It was there that Bonita realized how the power of music and its message can transform young people’s lives dramatically. That year, Bonita founded the “I’m Saving Myself” Program, a 501C3 whose mission is to provide quality performing arts experiences to youth and young adults, using a Youth Development Theory approach. This approach states that simply preventing negative behavior is not sufficient to develop youth to be productive citizens. But that youth also must be taught to strive for positive goals, and develop skills and motivation to succeed. ISM uses performing arts, particularly music, to encourage students to make positive choices for themselves, despite past and present personal challenges. Through the various programs under the umbrella of Thread of Hope Records, is our culmination “Celebrate Life & Pursue Your Dreams” national music tour. The program’s mission is to bring a message of hope and encouragement to young people, allowing them to make healthy choices. The artists, under the Thread of Hope Records label, have performed all over the United States; for heads of state, other dignitaries, family and friends. But the primary take-away for them has been the exciting journey of discovering and exploring their unique gifts and talents. Our History Bonita Mitchell Thread of Hope Records Founder L
Bonita Mitchell
“I have known Mrs. Mitchell for almost 10 years and we have built a relationship that is centered around the work we find most dear to our hearts, kids. Through her in-school program, she developed a book for our students, I Am Special, along with making a CD that featured their voices. Students were able to showcase thier talents and families were excited about how students were leaders and were confident to sing, speak, read and dance in front of large crowds. Mrs. Mitchell’s connection to the community and the performances she directed vicariously created an even stronger bond between parents and our school staff. The programs were highlighted on one of our local stations and were a key marketing piece to grow both our preschool and kindergarten enrollment.” P atricia R.
Curriculum Director Benton Harbor, MI
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