7

Youth Organization Partners

5

Wellness Facility Partners

10

Community Partners

 

The Rhythm Collective is a community-driven drumming program that brings people of all ages and abilities together across Northeast Ohio to foster connection, self-expression, and healing. Its inclusive approach makes rhythm accessible to everyone—regardless of background or experience—through ongoing drum circles, workshops, and events designed to support emotional well-being, reduce social isolation, and celebrate cultural diversity. 

 

Programs take place in a variety of settings, including community centers, schools, disability agencies, and mental health recovery spaces. By blending traditional rhythms with modern facilitation techniques, The Rhythm Collective creates joyful, therapeutic environments that nurture personal growth and build social connection.

 

Serving communities in Cuyahoga, Summit, and Portage counties, with continued expansion into surrounding areas, the program prioritizes at-risk youth, adults navigating behavioral, mental health, and rehabilitation needs, and individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including those with mobility, sensory, or communication challenges. Through its engaging and adaptable curriculum, The Rhythm Collective is helping to close the gap in access to creative, therapeutic experiences for individuals of all abilities.

 

Rhythm Collective Branches

 

2.3.25 Berhane Okanta
Rhythm Leaders

A youth and young-adult leadership program for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college-level learners. This interactive rhythm experience builds confidence, fosters community engagement through creativity, cultivates social emotional learning, and builds leadership and mentoring skills. 

Rhythm without limits

A disability-centered adaptive rhythm program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This interactive rhythm experience fosters inclusive participation, supports self-expression and emotional well-being, cultivates social connection and self-confidence, and promotes life enrichment through accessible music-making.

Rhythm & Restore

A rehabilitation and wellness rhythm program supporting older adults and individuals in recovery, rehabilitation, and wellness settings. This interactive rhythm experience fosters connection and belonging, supports emotional well-being, cultivates mindfulness and nervous system regulation, and promotes restoration through rhythm and movement.

Meet Our Program Partners

Our Goals

Fostering Inclusivity and Personal Growth

Encouraging Creativity and Self-Expression

Supporting Emotional and Social Wellness

Glory Mafor

Board Member

Glory Mafor, Glory Mafor is a writer, editor, media, and communications professional with interests in literary arts, global communication, and how they intersect with culture and social development. She is the former chief editor of Self-ish, a literary publication that platforms over 25 young black writers across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.  Glory is also a spoken word poet, a worship leader, and a voiceover artist. Through her work and art, she is intentional about curating and amplifying stories that inspire individuals to own their story, be unique, and live authentically.