The Endorphin Power Company, a transitional housing program and community center, helps people ease back into society from a life of substance abuse.
Director Ruby Lathon said there are 18 units for people to live in, as well as a gym. EPC stresses fellowship, education, community service and fitness, she said.
"Exercise helps you in recovery," she said. "It replaces that kick that you used to get from drugs and alcohol. Endorphins can replace that. When you're on alcohol or drugs, the body stops producing endorphins because you're getting it artificially."
EPC started a music program for kids or adults who come from homes wrecked by substance abuse. So far, the company has guitar classes taught by volunteers.
"Some children have alcoholic parents who really don't care or really don't have the wherewithal to find this stuff for their children," program coordinator Howard Delovitch said. "I'm making it available."
The company had an all-day concert series Saturday called "For The Love of Music #1."
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Delovitch raised enough money through sponsors to buy a few guitars for students to use. EPC has a soundproof rehearsal room.
"The building used to be a church, and we have this room with amazing acoustics and really high ceilings," co-coordinator James Self said. "It's just a beautiful room. We're going to use that for winter and fall concerts. Then we have an outdoor space where we had this particular concert. We have a stage and an enclosed area. It's not huge, but it's big enough for 150 people. Those are the two spaces we have to offer the community right now."
Delovitch said he fell into the position a week after he saw a sign at EPC saying the company wanted to start a music program.
"We're going to try to get instruments and things like that for kids to learn and practice and any performer who wants to come," he said. "We want to be an outreach program, be a part of the music community, want to support musicians in any genre of music. We want to reach out to children that are less fortunate who maybe can't afford instruments and give them something to do."
Beginning Nov. 7, EPC will host a weekly Friday concert called "Low Dough Show" for $3. Delovitch said he wants to attract a younger crowd and open doorways for them into the music industry.
"We're going to hopefully teach them how to self-promote," he said. "We'll give them the venue. Give them pointers, show them how to do flyers, do some workshops with them if they want."
Lathon said that even though it's a transitional facility, it's still a community center, and there are no drugs or alcohol allowed.
"It's a safe environment," she said. "While people are in early recovery, they're not using. I can see there might be some concern, but we consider it a safe haven for people who don't tolerate use anymore. The neighborhood has always been supportive, and the neighborhood association holds its meetings there."
For more information about free music classes, or to volunteer in the music program, call (505) 268-3372.
