Haven Kids Rock

Haven Kids Rock is a transformative music and arts program created specifically for the children of Mott Haven Academy Charter School, now in its 17th year.

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Founder Nef Jones shares, "We see children enter our program shy, afraid to speak or even smile due to physical or emotional trauma. By the end of the semester, they are confidently singing and dancing on stage. Music truly is healing."

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The program was founded on the belief that exposing underserved students to opportunities beyond the challenges of their communities—while helping them build valuable technical skills—can inspire them to dream bigger and reach beyond their current circumstances.

Haven Kids Rock serves at-risk children within New York City's foster care and child welfare systems. Located at Mott Haven Academy Charter School in the South Bronx, the program works closely with The New York Foundling, one of the city’s largest and most respected social service agencies.

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For students at Haven Academy, participation in Haven Kids Rock offers a unique and invaluable opportunity. Many of these students do not have regular access to extracurricular enrichment programs outside of school. As an extension of their school day, the program provides a therapeutic outlet and a platform for self-expression through music.

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The curriculum of Haven Kids Rock covers performance techniques, guitar, voice, acting, dance, and songwriting. Since 2016, the students have come together to write original musicals inspired by their own life stories. The latest creation, Sugar & Stone: The Candy Chronicles, marks the fourth musical produced by Haven Kids Rock, showcasing the incredible talent and resilience of these young artists.