The Coachman Family Center in White Plains is home to approximately 100 Westchester families who are living in poverty.

"Poverty is a very difficult place to live," said Matt Turk of Hastings-on-Hudson. But without art, says Turk, life's complexities are tough enough to bear. 

With that in mind, the Coachman’s Story Arts Program was created for the shelter’s children—and Turk is doing his part.

The Coachman, under the umbrella of WestHab, has been partnered with ArtsWestchester for about a decade. Together comprehensive youth strategies for artistic endeavors have flourished at Coachman and the Elm Street Center in Yonkers.

Turk participates in the program by coming in as the Coachman’s artist in residence with his guitar every Monday and Wednesday, doing a good ole’ fashioned clap and sing-a-long with his group of kids.

“The concept is modeled after Pete Seeger’s communal singing,” said the 41-year-old musician.

The consummate American folk singer himself would be proud—Turk and the kids can attest to that with a certainty. Meeting Seeger 20 years ago, Turk has deferred on several memorable occasions in which the legendary activist has led the kids in song at the Coachman. However, students at the Coachman see Turk, as Turk sees Seeger.

“He [Turk] has a great impact on the kids,” said Giselle Ayala, Coachman Director of Youth Services. “It [having adults who participate in the program] provides them that male or female figure that allows them to be part of something that’s bigger than what’s going on in their lives right now.”

Artistic outlets such as dance, videography, drama and mural making is offered by the program to give a sense of stability to the children who are living in a very uncertain time, said Ayala. Turk understands from his own experience how creating a piece of art bolsters self-esteem and transforms the ego.

“That’s how I was raised in terms of my arts education so I really resonate with the way these kids get to blossom,” he said.

Of course, in a narrower sense, Turk and the other artists are inevitably faced at times with frowns that go with the territory.

“Sometimes kids show up looking sad,” he said. “I try to bring them into the moment, and it usually works.”

As for the parents who see Turk and the others putting in the time, there’s nothing but appreciation.

“A lot of them are looking for opportunities to expose their kids to art education, and they love it when they see me coming,” said Turk.

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