Programs

Our Workshop Programs

The OHF Music Workshops
OHF Workshops acknowedges music in general as being a viable vehicle to energize people and give birth to
new expressions of community. Music has a way of reaching deep into the hearts and minds of all people.
OHF has specifically selected African American spirituals and gospel music as the genre to convey its
message because historically, this music has always inspired hope and peace for the future. The music
workshop creates an atmosphere, which strives to unite the contending peoples of the world through the
process of coming together to learn and sing this sacred music.

OHF Community Workshop Choirs
The OHF Community Workshop Choir, our most popular program, is an ongoing experience that allows
members to systematically develop bonds of friendship across racial, religious, cultural, age, gender and
socio-economic lines. Music being the primary bond, our workshop choirs continue to build pockets of unity
through regular meetings, rehearsals and performances in their local areas.

OHF Youth Workshops &
Childrens Workshops
The Youth Workshops are made up of diverse youth
from ages 12-25. The Children's workshops span ages
3-11. They are brought together to present a unifying
and encouraging message to their peers through song,
dance, rap, poetry and speech. In addition to
performances, the youth also conduct interactive
workshops for and with other youth organizations,
youth groups in schools, churches, and community
centers. The youth facilitate group discussions and
exercises regarding issues youth must face everyday
such as violence, racism, peer pressure, oppression,
faith, and stereotypes.

Well Wishes and Blessings - Youth CD Project
This award-winning CD is successfully sending love and establishing
unprecedented lines of communication between the world’s youth.

Endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall, Iraqi scholars, American teachers, parents,
grandparents and music industry icons, this remarkable collection of
spontaneous thoughts, songs, and raps has been created through interviews
of kids ages 3 through 19 by the award-winning composer/producer Ruth
Mendelson in her travels throughout the US. Her mission included
interviewing American kids to generate a collection of well wishes for the
people of Iraq and the rest of the world, as well as thoughts and insights
about peace and life.

Originally provided in both English and Arabic, the CD is now being
translated into 7 languages upon request from refugee camps around the
world.