Sound of Survival

Music Therapy for Homicide Survivors

Sound of Survival is a trauma-informed music therapy program created by Jacksonville Survivors Foundation for individuals and families impacted by homicide. This program provides a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where survivors can process grief, express emotions, build coping skills, honor their loved ones, and connect with others through the healing power of music.

After a homicide, families are often left carrying pain that is difficult to explain. Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and complicated by trauma, unanswered questions, court processes, media attention, and the daily reality of living without someone they love. Many survivors struggle to find the words for what they are feeling. Music therapy offers another way to be heard.

Through a partnership with a qualified music therapy provider, Sound of Survival uses evidence-based music therapy approaches to support emotional expression, grounding, remembrance, and connection. Sessions may include guided music therapy groups, lyric reflection, rhythm-based coping tools, music-assisted relaxation, creative expression, remembrance activities, and legacy projects that help survivors honor the lives of their loved ones.

This program is open to adults, teens, children, parents, siblings, spouses, grandparents, extended family members, and loved ones impacted by homicide loss. Participants are never required to sing, perform, speak publicly, or share details of their loved one’s case. Each survivor is invited to participate in the way that feels safest for them.

Sound of Survival was created to address a gap many homicide survivors experience after tragedy: the lack of accessible, trauma-informed healing opportunities that understand the unique impact of violent loss. While traditional counseling and advocacy services are important, some survivors need creative and community-based ways to process grief, regulate emotions, and feel less alone.

At JSF, we believe healing does not mean forgetting. Healing means finding safe ways to carry love, grief, memory, and hope forward. Sound of Survival gives survivors a place to breathe, reflect, remember, and reconnect—with themselves, with their loved one’s memory, and with a community that understands.

Referrals and self-referrals are welcome.

Who It’s For:
Adults, teens, and children impacted by homicide loss
Parents, siblings, spouses, grandparents, and loved ones
Families seeking a healing-centered outlet for grief and remembrance

Program May Include:
Guided music therapy groups
Lyric reflection and emotional expression
Coping tools through rhythm and sound
Remembrance and legacy activities
Supportive peer connection

To learn more or make a referral:
Crystal Anlage, Founder / Executive Director
Jacksonville Survivors Foundation
crystal@jacksonvillesurvivorsfoundation.org

(904)526-5721