PHILADELPHIA – Yesterday, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services, in collaboration with SixDegrees.org, Rock to the Future, and the McLean Contributionship, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a newly renovated and dedicated music space for youth at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC) in West Philadelphia.
“This new music studio reflects our unwavering dedication to empowering every young person in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Music and the arts have the unique ability to inspire, heal, and transform lives. By investing in spaces like this, we are helping these young individuals express themselves, gain confidence, and build a path toward a brighter future.”
This new music room will provide residents of the PJJSC with weekly lessons that allow them to create, collaborate, and perform original music while developing essential life skills and fostering personal growth. The space will feature a recording booth, dedicated areas for music production, and a stage, which will provide youth with the resources to learn and create in a collaborative setting and allow families to attend student performances.
“This initiative is about more than just music; it’s about creating pathways to possibility,” said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Chief Deputy Mayor for Social Impact and Strategic Initiatives. “Through this music studio, we are providing a space for young people to create, express themselves, and heal.”
Rock to the Future has offered music programs at the PJJSC since March 2022. What started with 12 students expanded to over 200 youth annually by June 2023. Previously, music classes were held within the living units, where limited space often constrained participation and programming. Recognizing the need for a dedicated creative environment, Rock to the Future worked with partners to transform the space into a vibrant music production, learning, and collaboration hub.
“The young people at the Juvenile Justice Services Center are incredibly talented and motivated,” said Jessica Craft, CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future. “It’s an honor and a necessity to provide these youth with opportunities, hope, and a second chance—to ensure their entire humanity is recognized in a world quick to label them. I’m excited to collaborate with so many amazing partners to create a space that will promote joy and peer collaboration and foster family engagement.”
The music space is the first endeavor of “Ruth’s Room,” a new SixDegrees.org initiative dedicated to Ruth Bacon, mother of Kevin and Michael Bacon of The Bacon Brothers. Also in attendance were Ruth’s daughter Hilda and daughter-in-law Betsy Maguire-Bacon. A devoted educator and justice advocate, Ruth launched a groundbreaking program in the 1980s to connect incarcerated men with their children.
“We’re thrilled to launch this program to honor the legacy of Ruth, a woman who truly led by example in the way she cared for her community,” said Stacy Huston, Executive Director of SixDegrees.org. “Ruth’s example is one of justice and advocacy, and this space will help young people find their voice and build connections that will empower them to make a positive difference in their community.”
