Building opportunities for youth empowerment through self-expression

Inner Voice Outer Change (IVOC) provides therapeutic services that foster youth empowerment through the creation of music and multimedia projects. Our approach encourages marginalized youth to partner with IVOC as they lean into the therapeutic process of self-expression. These healthy alternatives often prove to be effective in engaging adolescents who struggle with traditional modes of interpersonal communication.

Go upstream with us!

We began our Upstream Initiative to support the mental well-being of our kids before they face serious challenges. We aim to help them develop healthy coping methods early on. With your help, our Upstream Initiative will reward students for academic success by providing FREE access to self-care options. Join us in taking proactive steps to support their well-being!

Donate to IVOC here

Our Why: The conversation that changed everything. The birth of IVOC happened when we finally started listening to our youth.

  • "The thing I like about IVOC is how the whole thing is just expressing yourself with music and words. It feels like a safe place where you aren't judged"

    Testimonials from our participants

  • "Something I learned about myself is how to work with others. For example, how to help (another member of the group) when he didn't know how to add on to the beat for the first time in the studio"

    Testimonials from our participants

  • "One thing I learned about myself during IVOC is that I am who I am and I don't have to try to please anybody else by being someone that I'm not. I also learned that rapping makes me feel like I can channel all my emotions into the rap and allow people to feel the same way"

    Testimonials from our participants

  • "What I like about IVOC is how kids are allowed to participate and create music freely. It is also a space where you can be yourself and where you will never be judged"

    Testimonials from our participants

  • "My favorite/funniest time at IVOC was when me and (other members of the group) were in a circle, freestyling. Even though I was bad at it, I kept saying random things and we all just started laughing at each other"

    Testimonials from our participants

Testimonial: Youth Voice - IVOC’s videography program provides opportunities for youth to engage in creative storytelling. They learn the technical aspect of videography and develop healthy communication skills along the way.

Project: You Gotta See It To Be It - This video was co-created with the help of our black and brown youth. We featured the inspiring story of Lou Brady, the President and CEO of Family Health Center of Worcester, so that our young viewers can see themselves in him. Please watch and share this with a young person who could use some uplifting.

Event: Summer Jumpoff - IVOC's inaugural youth showcase was a night to remember! We saw our students shine as they performed songs and showcased videos they created as a part of IVOC.’s music and videography programs in Worcester, MA.

Project: Our Promise - A collaborative production between IVOC Youth, Votary Films, and Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW), “Our Promise” is based on FHCW’s mission to support and inspire up and coming professionals of color, by providing internship and mentorship opportunities.