SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time

Founded in 2011, Scaling Walls a Note at a Time (SWAN) is a Christ-centered nonprofit inspired by James 1:27. Our mission is to serve children who are fatherless, living in poverty, experiencing trauma, and often without the hope of the Gospel.

Our focused ministry area is serving children impacted by parental incarceration in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. These children face complex emotional, spiritual, and social challenges—often without the resources or support systems they need to thrive. SWAN intervenes by offering free, year-round programming that integrates:
• Private music instruction
• Therapeutic drumming and trauma-informed care
• Bible classes and social-emotional learning
• Mental health support from licensed professionals

We operate in partnership with the School District of Lancaster, providing in-school music lessons, a 3-hour after-school program, and a 5-week, full-day summer music camp. Our holistic approach helps children discover their value, build resilience, and gain the confidence to pursue their potential.

Examples of how your gift will be used:

• $25 can provide a class with nutritious snacks during SWAN’s after-school program—fueling focus, energy, and well-being.
• $75 can help fund therapeutic drumming for a semester, offering trauma relief and healthy emotional expression.
• $150 can cover a month of private music lessons for a child, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and joy.
• $500 can help provide Bible classes within our 3-hour after-school sessions—nurturing spiritual growth and hope.
• $1,000 can support a full month of on-site mental health care, giving students immediate access to healing and support.
• $2,500 can make a substantial impact by supporting multiple areas of SWAN’s programming—from music and mentorship to trauma care and faith-based instruction.
• $5,000 can transform a child’s life by sponsoring a full year in SWAN—including weekly music instruction, Bible classes, trauma-informed mental health support, and a life-changing summer music camp. The same gift can also give two children the opportunity to thrive in our 5-week, full-day Summer Music Camp, where they find healing, build confidence, and discover their God-given potential.