10,120 Audience Members
reached with powerful performances from our students and staff
685 People Served
by completing our trauma-informed programs in Cleveland and Cincinnati
121 Creative Works
produced by youth and adults as they fully produced these songs and music videos.
25% Increased Confidence
in sharing their creative ideas and working on a collaborative team
Letter from the Director
As we reflect on 2025, Refresh Collective has made real strides advancing our mission to cultivate tomorrow's change-makers through creative self-expression and skill-building rooted in hip-hop arts and culture. This year, we focused on scaling the right programs to the right client sites, while enhancing our trauma-informed and mindful pedagogy through new partnerships and professional development. Please enjoy these stories of impact. I am grateful for the students and families we've had the joy of working with this year, and I want to send a huge thanks to our staff, board members, partners, and funders who made all of this possible.
—
Doc Harrill, Executive Director
Our Participants Gained Skills
Through our programs, we saw real transformation take root across Cleveland and Cincinnati. Our participants built more than artistic skill — they developed leadership, confidence, and professional competencies that carry well beyond the studio. As you'll read below, these start-to-finish creative programs produce tangible outcomes, with students collaborating to write, record, and perform original work while gaining marketable skills in music production, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Social Emotional Literacy
self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making
Language Literacy
creative lyric writing with detailed storytelling and use of figures of speech to craft powerful, personal messages
Digital Literacy
digital music production, recording arts and video editing
Transferrable Employment Skills
of goal setting, project planning, self-advocacy, and working on a team.
A story from our full-time
Music Studio Classroom
Terrell joined the Refresh Collective 101 Recording Arts course at Aiken High School (in Cincinnati Public Schools) with a natural talent for writing and rapping, but he lacked the confidence to share his work. As the year progressed, he grew more comfortable speaking up in creative sessions and began making even more music on his own. He even traveled to Cleveland to perform alongside our students there. Today, while Terrell is enrolled in the 201 course he serves as a teacher's assistant, guiding the new group of students who are now in the same position he was in last year. He is amazing at encouraging the other students to push past shyness and jump out of their shell to achieve success!! We are thankful for our partnership with the Cincinnati Public Schools and proud of this hard work and commitment.
Hear Terrell's Story of
Confidence
Hear Our Song
A story about building Confidence
In Middle School
Kiana arrived early to gauge what “rap class” might entail. She was one of the smaller students, but her budding confidence belied her size. Her voice became the clarion call to the rest of the class. Her matter-of-fact wisdom in lyrics like “Why you mad? Just go get a bag or go play tag / I’m on my goals I’m not trying to brag” inspired the other students to improve theirs. When the time came to perform for the whole school, her stage presence inspired everyone. Afterwards, she left a note: “Mr. Quill thank you for being here for me you made us even more happy.”
The story of healing
In The Hospital Studio
A hospital environment is challenging under the best of circumstances, and when it becomes a matter of life and death for a young person the stakes are astronomical. Meet Kira, who spent three years battling cancer and saw her physically active world literally stopped when she became paralyzed for a time. What did not stop was her spirit’s desire to express positivity. Kira took advantage of the in-hospital studio we built in the arts therapy department and Cypherstyle curriculum we provided to write and record her first song that not only nourished her as she underwent treatments, it now spreads waves of encouragement for other kids. As her song declares, Kira continues to jump over obstacles, and she is definitely on her way up!
Watch Kira's Story
"Safe Space"
A Story of Rediscovery
From A Teen In Recovery
Mike discovered his path to recovery while participating in our music program at New Directions teen recovery support center. His creative journey began during a challenging time when health complications led to his enrollment in the treatment program. Inspired by his close relationship with his mother and his own determination to make positive changes, Mike chose to channel his considerable musical talents in a new direction. Our teaching artist connected with Mike, understanding both his story and his musical style, and together they found the perfect beat to match Mike's flow. Through this collaboration, Mike discovered a new way to express himself authentically, creating an inspiring anthem of hope. We wrot ("I was getting stuck up in that cup / but now I'm here to live it up...clearing up the storms, I see sunny days / and when I see your face I know it's all okay"). When Mike completed the program, he left with his music on a thumb drive - a powerful reminder of the "visions and goals for living better" that he learned at New Directions and expressed through his song."
Who We Served
We partner with vibrant communities across Cleveland and Cincinnati that have historically faced barriers to accessing creative arts programming. Through our hip-hop based programs, we help amplify voices and unlock the incredible potential that exists within these neighborhoods. Our Teaching Artists served students in schools, after-school programs, treatment centers, hospitals, detention centers, residential programs, camps and at libraries.
Funders
Partners
