• Our mission is to utilize the performing arts as a vehicle to address abstinence from sex, drugs, alcoholism, low self-esteem,
  suicide and abuse.

• Our Objective is to enlighten and challenge each student to use written expressions and popular music to help understand
  the importance of abstinence and avoiding risky behaviors. 

I’m Saving Myself was birth out of a desire of  Thread Of Hop Records CEO, Mrs. Bonita Mitchell to help students make better life choices after a popular student committed suicide at her old high school in Eau Claire, Michigan.

Since its inception in 2001, I’m Saving Myself has provided quality performing arts experiences to youth and young adults using a Youth Development Theory approach.  This approach  states that simply preventing negative behavior is not sufficient to develop youth to be productive citizens, but that youth also must be taught to strive for positive goals, and develop skills and motivation to succeed.  ISM uses the performing arts, particularly music, to encourage students to make positive choices for themselves, despite past and present personal challenges.  ISM students have performed all over the United States, for governors, other dignitaries, family and friends.  But the primary take-away for them has been the exciting journey of discovering and exploring their unique gifts and talents.

Students overwhelmingly indicate that it is the music that makes the program attractive and comfortable for them, and that the opportunity to perform  is an exciting, positive experience. 

“I’m Saving Myself” offers an innovative solution  to the difficulty of discussing sexual abstinence among teens by making it interesting, comfortable and practical.  The ISM Healthy Body Healthy Mind.” Life Enrichment classroom curriculum developed by educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the program champion, Bonita Mitchell,  uses journaling and music to personalize and reinforce the message of abstinence from harmful behaviors.  Also laced throughout the curriculum are: Creative Arts Therapies, including Art Therapy, Drama Therapy and Music Therapy, all of which are recognized and researched as highly effective tools for increasing and sustaining learning in youth.

“I'm forever grateful for the I'm Saving Myself Program, for they recognized my gifts and they showcased them in front of all of my peers.” Michelle Brooks, ISM Participant.