Community Arts at the LWRC
Creativity makes us human. Creating together makes us a community!
Our programs include community music therapy groups, arts workshops, and family-centered creative experiences designed to support emotional growth, self-expression, and social connection. By combining the power of music and arts with a welcoming, supportive environment, we empower participants to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and find joy through creativity.
What we do
Community is composed of many different types of people that face unique and complex challenges. This is why we provide these programs so that people don’t have to choose between enriching, therapeutic opportunities and basic needs. With that in mind, we build group based programs that meet community goals. We do this by partnering with other community programs including but not limited to local governmental organizations, schools, and neighboring nonprofits. Credentialed clinicians with experience and expertise provide quality therapy for our community that would otherwise not be able access those services. Because of this, we rely on sponsorships and donations to fund quality programming that leads to positive outcomes to build a strong, healthy community.
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This group is for families with children under 3 years of age. Parents/caregivers are a vital part of these groups. This group focuses on positive socialization through music and play, positive attachment/child & caregiver bonding, encouraging motor development, supporting cognitive skills, and fostering exploratory play! Both children and caregivers will have the opportunity to sing, play instruments, enjoy music and movement experiences, and build community with other children and parents/caregivers in a low-stakes, developmentally appropriate, and musically rich environment. You can view the flyer here.
Offered on Wednesdays at 6PM & Thursdays at 10AM
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This group is for families with children ages 3-5. Parents/caregivers are part of the group as well. This is a neurodiversity affirming group that focuses on positive socialization through music and play, positive attachment/child & caregiver bonding, problem solving, self-expression and communication, and encouraging imaginative play & creativity! Participants will have the opportunity to sing, play instruments, enjoy music and movement experiences, and build community with other children and parents/caregivers in a low-stakes, developmentally appropriate, and musically rich environment. You can view the flyer here.
Offered on Tuesdays at 6PM
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This group is for families with children ages 6-9. Parents/caregivers are part of the group as well. This is a neurodiversity affirming group that focuses on peer to peer collaboration, growth mindset, positive attachment, problem solving, positive self-talk, and much more! Participants will have the opportunity to create their own songs together, drum together, play various instruments, play musical games, enjoy music and movement experiences, and build community with other children and parents/caregivers in a low-stakes, developmentally appropriate, and musically rich environment. You can review the flyer here.
Offered on Thursdays at 4:15PM
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This group is for families with children ages 10-13. Parents/caregivers are part of this group as well. This is a neurodiversity affirming group that focuses on peer to peer collaboration, growth mindset, positive attachment, problem solving, positive self-talk, and much more! Tweens/teens will have the opportunity to learn a fun and accessible instrument along with their parent/caregiver in a supportive environment where everyone is learning something new together. It will be a great way for parents/caregivers and tweens/teens to support each other and learn life and music skills all in one place! You can review the flyer here.
Offered on Thursdays at 6PM
Our Group Offerings
Keep us stocked!
We always need instruments and supplies for our programs. You can help us purchase items off our Amazon Wish List. Click on the link below!
The Neil C. Patel Music Therapy Program is a living tribute to an extraordinary young man who radiated kindness, joy, and connection.
Established in 2021, this program honors his remarkable life and his unwavering passion for the arts, community, and helping others.
About Neil
Raised in Upper Merion, Neil C. Patel was known for his warmth, humility, and sense of humor. A natural leader and thoughtful friend, Neil had the rare gift of making everyone feel important—whether he was talking to a classmate, volunteering his time, or simply offering a smile.
Tragically, Neil passed away on August 1, 2021, after a courageous 115-day battle with COVID-19. His death was a profound loss to all who knew him. Yet even in his absence, Neil’s spirit continues to shine. Described as a once-in-a-generation individual, he was full of heart, energy, and a deep commitment to his community. In his short but meaningful life, Neil created
positive ripples that continue to inspire acts of kindness—and left an immeasurable impact as a beloved community member, dedicated student, and passionate artist. To carry forward the love, kindness, and generosity that defined him, the NEILSTRONG Foundation was established in 2021.
Through programs that reflect Neil’s manyinterests—including education, arts, athletics, and service for underserved communities—the Foundation ensures that Neil’s ripple of positivity and compassion continues to grow.
A Legacy of Music & Connection
Neil had a diverse range of talents and achievements but one area where he excelled was music and the performing arts. From an early age, he expressed himself through music, mastering instruments like the tabla, saxophone, guitar, and drums. At Upper Merion, he was a proud member of the Marching Band, the Underground Players, and school musicals, where his energy and talent lit up every performance.
But for Neil, music was never just about the spotlight. It was about joy, belonging, and making others feel included. He loved working with children with special needs, always offering patience, encouragement, and warmth. Whether he was leading a drumline or strumming a quiet chord, Neil used music to bring people together—and that spirit is the heartbeat of the program that now bears his name.
Honoring Neil’s Legacy
In the wake of Neil’s passing, his family and friends sought a way to turn grief into something beautiful. In partnership with Love Works, the NEILSTRONG Foundation supported the launch of the Neil C. Patel Music Therapy Program—a tangible expression of the values Neil embodied.
Funded initially with a $10,000 grant and sustained through annual support, the program provides accessible music therapy to families facing emotional, developmental, or financial challenges. It creates space for healing, connection, and joy—just as Neil did in his life. Since 2022, the program has served [X] families and continues to grow each year. Through every note, every rhythm, and every shared moment of music, Neil’s legacy lives on—not just as memory, but as a force for good in the lives of others. Neil would be proud to see his love for music and people reaching others in such a meaningful way.
