Julian Powell’s volunteer work with Meals on Wheels sparked an innovative idea: Music Share for Seniors, a charity dedicated to combating social isolation among seniors through the power of music.
“As I delivered meals, I noticed that many seniors craved conversation,” says Powell, Psychology ’17. “Long-term care facilities seemed to be the perfect setting, as residents often have limited social engagement opportunities. Music, especially for those with dementia, can trigger autobiographical memories and reawaken moments from the past.”
In 2017, Powell received $10,000 from RECODE@TMU, funded by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, to pilot his idea. Fellow grad Jarret Maxwell, Psychology ’16, was part of the pilot and now serves as the charity’s director of programs.
Today, Music Share for Seniors operates in 14 care facilities across the GTA, reaching 250 seniors a month. “Our facilitators [community and student volunteers from TMU, York University, George Brown, Sheridan and Seneca Colleges] engage the senior participants in their personalized playlist to stimulate conversation and share personal stories,” says Maxwell.
“The minute I hit on this idea, I knew I wanted to incubate it at TMU’s Social Ventures Zone (SVZ),” says Powell. “They have been absolutely essential to our growth.”
Powell and Maxwell continue to use the SVZ’s coworking space on campus, tap the expertise of industry mentors and coaches, and have taken part in the annual Zone Street Fair. Music Share also benefited from interns funded by organizations like Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) and Experience Ventures, allowing the organization to experiment with various roles without upfront financial burdens.
Best advice for future founders: “Be flexible and willing to adapt to things as they change,” says Powell. “Make the best decision you can, believe in that decision and work towards it knowing that the thing you anticipate might not happen, but there is something down the road that is better or at least as good as what you were hoping for.” Says Maxwell: “Love what you’re doing.”
Connect with Music Share for Seniors on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
What keeps Julian Powell motivated?
“A lot of people who participate in our program spend the majority of their time by themselves. When our facilitators start playing music and engaging with them, it’s like they come alive again.”
What keeps Jarret Maxwell motivated?
“Seeing students realize their ability to make a difference in someone’s life. It means so much to me that we are creating this lasting impact.”
