Josiah Bruny

After moving from the LA area to the Inland Empire, Bruny noticed disparities in the enrichment programs available to children, as well as in the community’s level of economic opportunity more broadly.

This ultimately led him to found Music Changing Lives (MCL), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization “dedicated to providing music, art, and tutoring programs in America’s public schools and community centers.”

Josiah Bruny

In his work, Bruny focuses on economic empowerment, health justice and providing youth with the chance for self actualization. A community garden he began on a one-acre lot has provided over a million pounds of free produce to local residents.

MCL’s State of the Youth Campaign invites young people to name the top five issues they’d like to see addressed within their community and propose policies that would bring about those changes.

"In our community we want to build organic movements where we're at the table and feel like we are being heard and not just being talked at."

"People power is the true power in this world."

Campaign:
The Fabric of California

More stories of belonging

Explore the campaign

The matter of Belonging is core to our theory of change as a health equity-minded foundation.

Our Focus Areas

FA Image

Health Systems

Plus Icon - The California Endowment

Health Systems

Learn how we are using the immense power in belonging to help build a healthier, more just California for All.

Learn More
FA Image

Justice Reinvestment

Justice Reinvestment

Re-imagining a criminal justice system that centers on prevention and healing.

Learn More
FA Image

Inclusive Communities

Inclusive Communities

Our communities and neighborhoods thrive when policies advance health and racial equity for all Californians.

Learn More
FA Image

Power Infrastructure

Power Infrastructure

Building Power in resilient communities across the state for a stronger California.

Learn More
FA Image

Schools

Schools

Academic achievement, inclusive learning environments, and health go hand in hand.

Learn More

Aligning Our Capital to Invest in Change

Learn how our investments align with our mission and values around the pursuit of health and racial equity as we seek to use people power to lift up communities.

Explore Our Impact Investing
Explore the campaign