history

When Marcy-Newberry Association, a 130+ year old social services agency founded in 1883, closed its doors, the youth were left with nowhere to go and nowhere to showcase their talent. Ms. Debra Kelly, who directed the ensemble at the agency, was saddened, but her love and dedication to her craft left her searching for a way to continue to provide an outlet for the students. The youth would frequently call Ms. Kelly asking her to find a place to rehearse and spaces to perform. From that point the Voices of Youth Ensemble was born. 

Ms. Kelly and her team have been able to continue to work with the youth for almost a decade after the closing. The youth in the ensemble are encouraged each day to be strong leaders, to uplift others, to impact their communities in a positive way and to appreciate their individual talents.