Financial Freedom and the Magic of Music

In 2020, Daniel was out of work during the pandemic, in a crunch, and facing homelessness; a situation he wouldn’t have thought possible a year prior.

Reaching a breaking point, he admitted that he could use assistance to get back on his feet, and came to Love Columbia. Here, Daniel found the Extra Mile Program: a 16-week money management program with a coach that offers accountability partnership, financial rewards, and the opportunity to practice new financial skills.

When asked about the Extra Mile Program, Daniel said: “The Extra Mile Program helped me wrap my head around ways to grow in [financial knowledge and planning]. I now associate asking for help with a positive experience that gets me great results!”

As Kelli Van Doren- Extra Mile Program Manager- got to know Daniel, she discovered his love of music. Kelli connected him to a previous Love Columbia program participant, Uriah, based on their mutual passion for teaching music. Daniel found out quickly that he and Uriah not only shared a passion for playing and listening to music, but also for teaching it. He said: “For Uriah and I, and for many out there, music is something that adds so much value to life.”

Today, Uriah owns U.C. Music, a business that offers beginning guitar workshops, group classes and individual lessons. Daniel is currently working at U.C Music as an employee to bring the magic of music to Columbians. Daniel says: “Music seems like the greatest job in the world to me. Witnessing your students light up when they have a breakthrough or victory is very gratifying. You just want to build their confidence and dedication to something that you know will bring a great deal of joy to their life.”

You can find U.C. Music, on East Broadway next to Clovers Natural Market.