Founded in 2012 by CEO Jeni Dominelli, The Beat of Life is a Nashville-based nonprofit that helps vulnerable populations transform adversity into something redemptive through songwriting."
They offer three songwriting programs. The program called Beautiful Minds rescues those suffering from mental illness. Redemption Songs meets with those within the prison system to cultivate positive change in the lives of those who may have made wrong choices. The Anthems of Change program meets with students in local and nationwide school systems, as well as in youth centers for at-risk teens and children. The story of the non-profit starts with the imprisonment of Dominelli’s father.
Originally from San Diego, California, Dominelli grew up in a well-to-do household, but her life was shaken upside down when she was 8 years old. Her father was incarcerated for money laundering and tax evasion. The result was broadcast all over the media. The high-profile case was in the spotlight, making the struggle more real for Dominelli and changing the trajectory of her life.
Dominelli sent her father song lyrics she wrote in hopes of his redemption. Dominelli’s father always loved music.
At 16 years old, Jeni had a wakeup call, as she states it. Instead of succumbing to her sorrow, teenage angst, and depression, she wanted to help others, especially those like her sister, who was diagnosed with a mental illness. Dominelli was led to encourage and serve the world in a greater way. How could she harness her experiences to benefit others?
Eighteen years ago, she moved to Nashville to pursue music and social work after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of San Diego. Dominelli also had a passion for songwriting.
“After working in several paid agency roles running music programs for disenfranchised populations where the funding eventually ran out, that experience is what led me to start my own nonprofit to create something more sustainable,” said Dominelli.
To start, Dominelli showed up at the Nashville Sheriff’s Office, the Nashville public school system, and local rehabilitation communities to lend her healing hand. The nonprofit took off from there because the need for healing and change was so great. Songwriters like Jelly Roll, Jeffrey Steele, and For KING + COUNTRY, as well as musicians from “American Idol,” “The Voice,” and “America’s Got Talent,” have all collaborated with The Beat of Life, meeting with participants to help them share their voices. You can listen to these songs on The Beat of Life’s YouTube channel. The Beat of Life was featured in HBO’s documentary “Justice USA.”
Their goal this year is to continue to advocate for change in the lives of those they serve as well as grow their staff, and those led to this calling. They would like to bring in additional leadership and continue to manage and serve as many as possible because the demand is growing. While thousands have been helped, thousands still need help, so please consider lending your support.
Dominelli encourages anyone who may want to get involved to check out The Beat of Life’s website, where there is a volunteer page. The Beat of Life could always use singer- songwriters and those with a heart and passion to serve others less fortunate.
“Music creates a disarming space where people can tell the truth about their lives, but also, begin to see their story differently. Songwriting allows people to turn their hardest
experiences into something meaningful and even beautiful and empowering,” said Dominelli.
Thebeatoflife.org