Saving The Streets

laconexionworkshop
Oct 2
2 min read

https://www.wesh.com/article/orlando-nonprofit-la-conexion/65669962

The Power of Connection: How La Conexión Workshops Is Changing Lives Through Music

In a world where many young people face instability, uncertainty, or a lack of opportunity, La Conexión Workshops is stepping in to offer hope, creativity, and a tangible path forward. A recent WESH feature shines a light on our mission: connecting at‑risk kids and teens with professional experiences in the arts—especially music production—as a way to empower, heal, and grow. WESH

🎙 From Struggle to Sound — One Story

Meet Alysen Gutierrez, whose story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. From a childhood of eviction and shelter transitions, Alysen told the WESH reporter about times she missed school and stayed in a homeless shelter with her family. WESH But through that hardship, Alysen found music. She speaks of recording her first song in a studio she never imagined she’d reach. WESH

Today, Alysen’s persistence has earned her a college scholarship to study music. She reflects that through it, she feels she is “on purpose” and is supported in pursuing her dreams. WESH

Her journey is exactly what La Conexión aims to support.

What We Do — Mission in Action

At the heart of La Conexión Workshops is the philosophy: “We meet them where they’re at.” WESH

Location matters—but we’re flexible. Workshops are held in schools, community centers, parks... wherever we can find a power outlet, we’ll set up a session. WESH
It’s not just about music. While we teach how to write, record, and produce songs, we also help participants build vital life skills: collaboration, giving and receiving critique, self-expression, confidence. WESH
Professional exposure. We aim to demystify the arts industry—bringing youth face to face with real processes, tools, and professionals in music production.

Why It Matters

Many youth in our communities don’t get access to arts programs—especially ones that go beyond surface-level exposure. The arts are too often seen as extracurricular luxuries. But we believe they are essential tools for empowerment. Through music:

Young people can channel emotional and personal struggles into constructive expression.
They learn discipline, accountability, communication, teamwork—skills they can carry into any field.
They see that there is a future for them, a way to belong, to create, to lead.

When Alysen travels three hours by bus to get to a workshop, it’s not just about the music—it’s the connection, the sense of purpose, the affirmation that someone believes in her dreams. WESH

How You Can Help

If you’re reading this and feeling moved, here are ways you can support La Conexión:

Become a sponsor or donor. Your financial support helps us supply equipment, cover venue costs, and expand outreach.
Partner with us. If you run a school, community center, or nonprofit, we’d love to bring workshops to your space.
Volunteer your skills. Are you proficient in audio engineering, songwriting, or mentoring? Your expertise is invaluable.
Spread the word. Share stories like Alysen’s. The more people hear, the more support we’ll attract.

La Conexión Workshops is more than a nonprofit—it’s a bridge between struggle and possibility. Through music, creativity, and intentional connection, we’re helping youth find their voice, their confidence, and their purpose.