An exciting year is underway for Songwriting Works™ on the Olympic Peninsula (WA), in San Francisco, in Chicago and more.

SW's NEA "Music and Memory" Project will bring professional songwriters and participants across the generations together to:

• Record a long-awaited CD of Olympic Peninsula project songs featuring
notable professional musicians
• Host a forum on Music and Brain Health
• Engage local youth and elders in digital storytelling about the impact SW has for their communities
• Release the new CD and videos at SW’s 3rd annual November SongFest

Year-round SW's signature songwriting programs, community MusicTeams and trainings for arts/music and health professionals will continue to:
• Improve brain function and social engagement for elders with dementia • Deepen communication for family care partners and their loved ones
• Reduce depression for those with disabilities
• Raise joy and self-esteem for those facing health and fiscal challenges
• Provide respite and empowering solutions for care providers
• Increase cultural competency for arts and health professionals
• Inspire audiences with songs and stories that transform stereotypes
• Turn stigmas about aging, disability and illness into new experiences of access, inclusion and acceptance. And do it all through SONG.