OYOU Outreach: Expanding Access to the Arts Across Texas

Team OYOU is deeply committed to community outreach through its statewide “Playing for Good” initiative, which brings free and low-cost music and writing programs to libraries, schools, senior living facilities, and day camps for individuals with special needs. These outreach efforts are designed to make the arts accessible to underserved populations and to support emotional, cognitive, and social well-being through creative expression.

As part of our OYOU On the Road series, we present live performances and lead interactive songwriting and music instruction workshops at senior centers and assisted living communities. These sessions are carefully adapted to engage both verbal and nonverbal individuals, offering seniors — many of whom live in isolation—a joyful and stimulating way to connect with themselves and others through music.

Inspired by her own experience living with epilepsy, OYOU founder Terri Hendrix created these programs to reflect her belief that creativity is a vital pathway to healing and empowerment. Diagnosed at the age of 21, Terri found strength and purpose through songwriting, performance, and the arts—tools that helped her thrive despite her health challenges. Her vision for OYOU has always centered on inclusion: to build welcoming spaces where all individuals — regardless of age, financial means, physical ability, or background — can participate in the arts without judgment or limitation.

One of the key components of this vision is "The SongBuddies Project," a unique program Terri developed to serve individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. This program includes music engagement and songwriting sessions for participants of all ages, with individualized approaches for both verbal and nonverbal students.

We welcome volunteers who share our mission of equity and access in the arts. If you’re interested in joining us, please email us with “Playing for Good” in the subject line. To learn more about our upcoming events and outreach efforts, we invite you to explore our calendar.

Together, we are using the power of creativity to build connection, restore dignity, and uplift lives — one note, one story, one heart at a time.

Performances at assisted living facilities. 

Songwriting and teaching music at assisted living facilities. 

Music instruction and songwriting for children and adults in rural communities or in areas or schools that lack music programs.