HONOREES:

Sherri Anderson

Sherri Anderson is the Founding Director of Stretto Youth Chamber Orchestra, a values-driven ensemble committed to fostering equity, empathy, and excellence in music. With a Bachelor of Music degree from Wheaton College and a Master of Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College, Ms. Anderson has pursued advanced studies in String Pedagogy and Choral Conducting at Temple University, learning under esteemed mentors Helen Kwalwasser and Alan Harler. Her academic journey also includes a Master of Theology and a Master of Liberal Studies from Villanova University, underscoring her interdisciplinary approach to community building and youth empowerment.

Throughout her career, Ms. Anderson has focused on creating safe, inclusive, and accessible learning environments for young musicians -- particularly those from underserved and low-income backgrounds. At the heart of Stretto’s mission is the belief that children develop empathy and leadership through community. The ensemble unites students across socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds, including youth in foster care and children living in poverty. Instead of fostering competition, the program cultivates mentorship, service, and mutual care as the foundation for leadership.

Under Ms. Anderson’s guidance, Stretto has grown into a diverse and dynamic community where students learn to lead by nurturing one another. Older members mentor younger peers, and all are encouraged to contribute not for prestige, but as an act of service to the ensemble and the broader community. Stretto students share their music in local concerts, nursing homes, at meals for the homeless and community spaces, and every three years, the ensemble travels internationally -- ensuring that no student is excluded due to financial constraints.

Stretto's holistic and inclusive philosophy has helped shape a generation of young people who carry compassion, cultural awareness, and creative confidence into adulthood. Stretto demonstrates the transformative power of community-centered music education in the broader landscape of child welfare and youth development. Ms. Anderson, on behalf of the Stretto community, is honored to be recognized by ChildWIN® - we share a heart for raising children in well-being!

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Jody Joseph Bongiovi

Jody Joseph Bongiovi is the founder and lead instructor of Heartstrings, a music program that encompasses artist development to enhance lives, especially for those who are economically disadvantaged and potentially at-risk. Participants experience positive reinforcements and the power of music healing, one heartstring at a time. Heartstrings offers scholarships to those who cannot afford to participate, so that all youth may experience the power of music.

Jody has been involved in singing, performing, playing guitar, and songwriting since her teenage years. She is leader of the Jody Joseph Band. Jody has recorded and produced records and live performances and has sung the National Anthem at the Meadowlands. For three decades, she has mentored students in their vocal and artist development. Her students range in age from seven to 75. Through Jody Joseph Music, Jody hosts live and virtual performances that allow her students to shine on stage and share their talents.

Jody states, “Music is a universal language that sheds the tears, then soothes the soul to open the heart to the amazing power of healing, one heart string at a time. Music is the place where you find hope in this world. It is a God-given gift. Music gives us an outlet. Music is there when we can’t seem to express our emotions. Music is soothing to the heart and soul.”

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Distinguished patrons will include philanthropists, financial executives, business and community leaders, educators, and friends and supporters from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

The Child Wellness Institute – known as ChildWIN® – builds resilience and social-emotional health in children and families. Our Healing Hearts® series educates school personnel about the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on the developing child. We lead school personnel on the journey to develop a trauma-informed lens to better support students and families. Children and families live with high doses of trauma at home, in schools, and in their neighborhoods. Trauma impacts a child’s brain, body, and behaviors and ultimately affects the ability to learn in the classroom. To date, ChildWIN® experts have trained 10,000+ professionals and parents.  More than 4,000 youth have benefited from our Peaceful Practices Program. Our Youth Resilience Program helps young people develop communication skills, set goals, and build resilience.  Research has shown that “one caring adult” is needed to potentially change the trajectory of a child’s life.  We connect community leaders with underserved youth for career exploration and mentorship.  We customize trainings and programming to meet the needs of children served by schools, districts, nonprofits, residential programs, and other youth-serving organizations.

With your generous support, we will continue to expand our services and reach more children throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

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