The chill of winter has settled over the city of brotherly love, but we have heartwarming news! Rock to the Future is expanding its music programming by creating a dedicated music space and professional recording booth for youth who have been ordered by the court to be held at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC) in West Philadelphia.
This new music room opened on January 29th and will provide justice-involved teens with weekly lessons that give them the opportunity to create, collaborate, and perform original music while developing essential life skills and fostering personal growth. The space will feature a recording booth, dedicated areas for music production, and a stage—all designed to provide youth with resources to learn, create in a collaborative setting, and celebrate one another’s talent. Imagine families gathering to watch their children perform, connecting through shared moments of pride and joy. This is more than a music room; it’s a platform for second chances and renewed hope.
Images By Terrell Halsey
“The young people at the Juvenile Justice Services Center are incredibly talented and motivated,” said Jessica Craft, CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future. “It’s an honor and a necessity to provide these youth with opportunities, hope, and a second chance—to ensure their entire humanity is recognized in a world quick to label them. I’m excited to collaborate with so many amazing partners to create a space that will promote joy and peer collaboration and foster family engagement.”
Selena, a teen at PJJSC, performs a beatmaking demonstration for the crowd | Image By Terrell Halsey
This space also represents the launch of “Ruth’s Room,” an initiative by SixDegrees.org named in honor of Ruth Bacon, the mother of Kevin and Michael Bacon. Ruth was a trailblazer—a dedicated educator and justice advocate who, in the 1980s, created a program to connect incarcerated men with their children. Her legacy lives on in this initiative, which continues her mission to uplift and empower those impacted by the justice system.
Since March 2022, Rock to the Future has offered music programs at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC), starting with just 15 students. By June 2023, the program had grown to serve 200+ youth annually. Prior to the creation of the music room, students participated in music classes within their living units, where space is limited, and their access to broader programming is sometimes restricted. In response to these challenges, Rock to the Future has worked to identify and transform a space that will serve as a hub for music production, classes, and showcases.
This new project will serve as a key tool in supporting long-term positive outcomes for participants, including improved mental health, connection to peers, family engagement by allowing families to attend student performances, support with transition upon re-entry and pathways to professional careers.
Mayor Cherelle Parker talks with youth within PJJSC, Selena and Kashian, after their performance | Image By Terrell Halsey
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible: Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, Sixdegrees.org (a 501(c)(3) founded by Kevin Bacon), The McLean Contributionship, The Bacon Brothers, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Department of Human Services, and the School District of Philadelphia for their collaboration.
Special shoutout to His and Her Interiors for this phenomenal renovation, and Wendy Medley, our incredible muralist, for bringing this vision to life!
We also appreciate the support from SCI Phoenix NAACP, Real Street Talk, Boonah & Khion – Stack or Starve Records, Wallo, Meek Mill, Will Smith, the family of PNB Rock and all the additional supporters who played a role in making this dream a reality.
Check out our press page for coverage of the ribbon-cutting event and our SmugMug for more photos!
Our community of supporters makes this work possible! If you’re passionate about creating transformational opportunities for youth, we invite you to get involved:
Donate – Help fund free music programs for youth
Volunteer – Share your time and skills
Stay Connected – Follow us on social media (@rock2Future) and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our impact.
Plus, check out the powerful music our students at JJSC created this summer:
Together, we can empower youth through music and mentorship!