Singer-songwriter Jenni Alpert works with a child at Hillsides during the recording of an original song, “You Are Not Alone.”

“I want to give you hope. I want to give you love. You are not alone.” These words are part of the chorus of an original song, “You Are Not Alone,” co-written and performed by 10 children from Hillsides residential program with local singer-songwriter Jenni Alpert.

The song can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/jennialpertmusic/you-are-not-alone.

The children, ranging in age from 10 to 17, worked for months on the song and an accompanying music video as part of a “My Purpose Party, a program that incorporates community service with children’s self-expression created by actress and philanthropist Ari Meyers. The children selected the theme because they themselves have struggled with loneliness and were motivated to comfort others in the same position.

“I want people to know, there’s always someone you can talk to,” said one participant, Sophia.* “When I feel lonely, I talk to my grandmother.”

On September 30, 2014, the children debuted the music video and distributed CDs of the song during a presentation for friends, family, and Hillsides staff in the Hillsides library. The song will be played at Hillsides Circle of Excellence dinner that recognizes donors and volunteers to be held in Pasadena on October 21. Guests will also receive the CD as a gift.

The “My Purpose Party” program fosters a giving experience by helping youth give back to others by raising goods, funds, awareness about an issue, or providing a direct service. Meyers, who received early fame as a child actress on the 1980s TV show, Kate & Allie, created the program some six years ago.

Singer-songwriter Alpert has performed in more than 14 countries and had her music featured on many TV shows, including Castle and CSI Miami. Her live acoustic performances from a tour in Italy have been released by an Italian vinyl label, Cappuccino Records. To learn more about Alpert, please visit www.jennialpert.com. The song was recorded and mixed by Los Angeles arranger and instrumentalist Stevie Blacke. To learn more about Blacke, please visit www.stevieblack.com.

Hillsides, headquartered in Pasadena, is a premier provider dedicated to improving the overall well-being and functioning of vulnerable children, youth, and their families throughout Los Angeles County. It consists of four core programs: Family Resource Centers that offer numerous community-based programs and services; Residential Treatment Services that provide a safe and stable environment for children unable to live at home; an Education Center, a therapeutic residential and day school for children with emotional or behavioral challenges; and Youth Moving On, a program for youth formerly in foster care or probation who are transitioning to adulthood. For more information, please visit www.hillsides.org.

*First name used to protect privacy of client.