Recently, FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) was awarded a $13,000 grant as a part of the Catholic Community Foundation’s 2024 Giving Circle Grant Program to support the yearly cost of a Certified Musical Therapist as part of the ReCreación day programming for adults living with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities or medical conditions.

“We are thankful for our partnership with the Catholic Community Foundation, allowing us to continue offering new forms of support to adults with disabilities,” said Tami Bohannon, president and CEO of FSL. “FSL is the only local organization that not only specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but also focuses on adults living with traumatic brain injuries. Music therapy gives the individuals we serve an innovative, non-pharmacological approach to increasing positive social interactions and improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms.”

"The Catholic Community Foundation is eternally grateful for all of the important work that FSL does to serve our community. Older adults and those with disabilities can face isolation and marginalization, and FSL recognizes and reaffirms their dignity by providing them with a nurturing and enriching environment,” shared Deacon James Carabajal, chief executive officer of Catholic Community Foundation.

Funds from the Catholic Community Foundation grant will ensure the availability of a therapist through the 2024-2025 fiscal year, providing two one-hour music therapy sessions each week and serving 15 participants in each session. The program is expected to serve 150 adults this year.

The Certified Musical Therapist is contracted through Higher Octave Healing, a Tempe-based organization whose therapists utilize rhythmic and harmonic components of music to address the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional needs of children, teens and adults across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., studies have shown that music therapy has been effective in reducing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, including decreased anxiety and agitation, increased alertness, and improved communication and meaningful socialization.

FSL’s ReCreación adult day health centers provide a safe and inclusive environment for adults living with a physical, cognitive or developmental disability or medical condition. Members take part in personalized, stimulating and engaging programming designed to help them achieve their goals and discover a lifestyle of independence.