Pictured in this photo is my sister in-law Consuelo and my older son Uriah with his guitar. This was a Christmas program. (He is around 4 yrs old). He used to drag that acoustic guitar everywhere! I am still trying to find the original picture.

The mission of Guitars not Guns is to provide guitars and lessons to foster children, at risk youth and other deserving children. We serve children between the ages of 8 and 18. No child will be turned away. We are not anti-gun, we are anti-gun violence and we can offer an alternative to violence.

Our goal is to stop violent behaviors in schools and in the community. We will try to divert as many children as possible from the self-destructive behaviors of drugs, alcohol, crime and gang activity. By exposing children and teens to music, we hope to engage their creative potential and offer them an alternative to the increasing narrow of choices presented to them. Music can calm a troubled young life and it can give a child something to embrace during an often difficult time in their lives.

IF you live in Santa Fe this is a great program your child. Please find out more info about Guitars not Guns at their website here

They are also on myspace

More info here as published in the Santa Fe New Mexican.