Community News
Welcome to our Community News page! Here, you can explore the various events that Drums in Recovery has participated in throughout 2025. From workshops to local gatherings, we celebrate the power of music and community engagement. Join us as we highlight our initiatives and share our experiences.
2025 Events
January 17 – R.I.S.E. Event
Drums in Recovery participated in R.I.S.E., a Non-profit forum hosted by the Orange County Citizens’ Commission for Children. The DiR team participated in workshops and networked with other non-profit leaders. Team members gained valuable insights into funding strategies and learned how to leverage innovative resources for ensuring sustainable growth.
January 25 - Orange County Public Schools - Orlando Magic Network Event
The DiR team attended the Orange County Public Schools – Orlando Magic Network Event. We connected with teachers, staff, and community partners.
January 29 - Ginsburg Institute for Healthy Equity – In Collaboration with Grace Medical Home - Inaugural Opportunity Hubs Meeting
Drums in Recovery was featured as the Partner Spotlight during this event. The primary objective of this gathering was to convene leaders from various community sectors, including healthcare, education, and community organizations, to discuss best practices and utilize research to inform practices.
February 28 - Professional Drum + Rhythm To Recovery Training
On February 28, DiR participated in the Drums2Recovery Facilitator Training in South Carolina, led by Summer Lall from Ghana. We learned hands-on drumming techniques to support healing, connection, and recovery. It was an inspiring and energizing day filled with rhythm, learning, and community.
March 1 - Drum Circle Facilitator Guild
Drums in Recovery attended the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where legendary drum circle leader Arthur Hull was the featured presenter. It was a powerful gathering of rhythm keepers from around the world, including Scotland, Ukraine, Ghana, and Canada. We share techniques, stories, and the heart of community drumming. Click here to learn more about the Drum Circle Facilitator Guild.
April 10 - Parikh Giving Alliance Change Makers Breakfast
Drums in Recovery had the honor of receiving a Community Catalyst grant award during this prestigious event. The grant recognizes their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful impact in Central Florida through innovative programs and community engagement.
April 24 - Phillis Wheatley Elementary Volunteer Appreciation Day
DiR President, Marla Singleton, attended a Volunteer Appreciation Day at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in Apopka. Drums in Recovery was honored with an award for our extraordinary work with children, recognizing the impact of the DRUMBEAT program and the commitment to the community. It was a proud and meaningful moment for our team.
April 25 – A.C.E. Training
The Drums in Recovery team attended a workshop to learn about Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs). They explored how trauma and stress affect the brain and discussed ways to prevent trauma. The session also focused on building resilience and supporting healing through trauma-informed strategies.
May 11 - Discovery Cove Team Building with Board
The Drums in Recovery team recently came together at Discovery Cove for a fun and meaningful team-building event. Surrounded by beautiful water and nature, the members participated in activities that fostered teamwork and connection. They enjoyed experiences like snorkeling with fish and meeting dolphins, creating a refreshing and memorable day for everyone involved.
May 12 - Performance for Three Points Elementary School
The children from Three Points Elementary School showcased the skills they had developed during the program with a special performance under the guidance of Mrs. Vivianne Nieves.
May 20 - DiR Performance at Memorial Day Picnic
We gathered for a heartfelt performance at the Memorial Day Picnic to celebrate the completion of our 10-week DRUMBEAT program. The afternoon was filled with pride, joy, and community spirit as family and friends experienced the program's impact firsthand.
May 21 - Legacy of Champions
Drums in Recovery sponsored the Legacy of Champions Luncheon.
This event, presented by AdventHealth, raises funds to support critical mental health and behavioral programs in our community. The event keynote speaker, Ice T, shared his story and the importance of creating awareness of the effects of gun violence and mental health. In his sharing, Ice-T inspired the audience to look deeper into this issue and how we can become agents of community healing.
June 17 - Peace and Justice Institute
On June 17, Board members participated in “Courageous Conversations,” an impactful session hosted by the Peace and Justice Institute. The featured speaker, Daryl Davis, an accomplished musician and civil rights advocate, shared his extraordinary journey of engaging in dialogue with members of hate groups. Davis’s story highlighted the power of listening, empathy, and courageous conversation in dismantling prejudice and fostering human connection. Through personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom, he encouraged attendees to lean into discomfort, approach differences with curiosity, and take bold steps toward understanding and justice.
June 21-22 - DRUMBEAT Facilitator Training
Twelve members of the DiR team took part in a two-day DRUMBEAT Certification Training led by Master Facilitator Jessica Fredricks. For some, it served as a meaningful refresher; for others, it was their first step into facilitation. We’re excited to have 9 new certified facilitators to the DiR team, expanding our ability to support healing, connection, and resilience through rhythm.
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