Success StoryStories in Song: Using Songwriting to Help Women in Recovery



Stories in Song: Using Songwriting to Help Women in Recovery

Author: Jennifer Tackett

Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations

Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

We know art adds value to everything.  A wedding without music and a house without any paintings would both be sad.  We also know that expressing ourselves through art  helps add value to ourselves. 

Kentucky 4-H and Arts Extension partnered to present a 6 hour workshop on songwriting for 12 mothers in recovery.  A pre and post evaluation showed the following results. 

  • 90% change in the parts of a song
  • 100% change in identifying songwriting tips
  • 300% change in writing a song
  • 58% change in happiness and joy
  • 50% change in ability to focus
  • 90% change in confidence
  • 90% in being comfortable expressing themselves through art
  • 81% change in feeling comfortable sharing their story
  • 66% change in identifying songwriting as a way to help with recovery
  • 81% change in being motivated to use songwriting to improve myself

When asked what the most important thing you will take away from this workshop, one participant state she felt like she had accomplished something in her life for the first time and another said more self confidence. 

This was a pilot program that will be used with other at risk populations in the future. 






Stories by Jennifer Tackett


4th H for Health

about 6 years ago by Jennifer Tackett

“Moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer,... Read More


Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts

about 6 years ago by Jennifer Tackett

Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance ... Read More


Stories by 4-H Central Operations


Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

about 6 years ago by Rachel Guidugli

Through the 94th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, 4-Hers from across the Commonwealth developed ... Read More


Kentucky 4-H Achievement Program Gains Momentum

about 6 years ago by Kimberly Schrader

Motivation and the use of incentives are important to positive youth development. 4-H Youth Developm... Read More