Award-winning actor and musician Kevin Bacon and his brother and fellow musician Michael recently returned to their hometown to unveil the very first “Ruth’s Room” at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center in West Philadelphia, writes Alicia Vitarelli for 6abc.
For the Bacon Brothers, this project is both special and deeply personal, as it honors their late mother, Ruth Bacon. The initiative supports youth facing tough times by providing a healing source both brothers know well — music.
Kevin Bacon said that their mother would have loved the concept.
Ruth Bacon was an educator and a justice advocate who raised six children. In 1985, she launched a nursery school and family bonding experience at Graterford Prison.
Now, the brothers are continuing her mission with the help of their nonprofit, SixDegrees.org. In partnership with Rock to the Future, offering free music programs to Philadelphia youth, they are offering kids a space where they get the chance to unleash their creativity.
“If the young people who are detained there are interested, they can put a band together and get music lessons,” said Kevin. “I always say, when people are playing music, nobody gets hurt.”
Young people in Philadelphia now have a new creative space for that.
Read more about Ruth’s Room and the impact it will have on local youth at 6abc.
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