Soft-spoken and warm-hearted, University graduate student Brook MacNamara leads only by example.
She has sunk her time, energy and life savings into In Harmony, an organization that helps foster kids. Hers is an infectious dedication that, without much prodding, has lured countless individuals into helping the cause.
And now, MacNamara has managed to get Grammy-nominated folk singer, songwriter and guitarist Ani DiFrancoto perform at a benefit concert in Corvallis this weekend, to benefit In Harmony.
MacNamara is the executive director of In Harmony, an organization that is creating an inter-generational family neighborhood that moves children who are lingering in foster care into permanent homes. There, they will be prepared for adoption by professionally trained parents. The neighborhood also includes senior citizens who add extended support to the children. MacNamara, who received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1980 from the Oregon College of Education — now Western Oregon University — conceived In Harmony years ago while teaching. It was then when she recognized the need for such a program, as she saw how children who remain in foster care homes become vulnerable to many challenges, including mental illness and criminal behavior.
“We only get one childhood,” said MacNamara, who is currently completing her doctorate at the University’s College of Education, “and many of these children waiting for adoptive homes have lost their childhood before they even began.”
In 1993, her concept came to fruition with the founding of In Harmony. Since then, MacNamara and her vision have moved hundreds of people.
Bud Fredericks, who now sits on In Harmony’s board of directors, was one of these people.
“The fact that she has sunk her own personal money into this program … that’s a real testament to her dedication,” he said.
Greg Brown, another Grammy-nominated folk artist, was equally impressed by MacNamara’s work. Brown happened upon In Harmony when a mutual friend of MacNamara and Brown presented the idea of a benefit concert, and both agreed.
“I was very taken by it,” Brown said. “It really touched my heart.”
As Brown became more aware of the program, he became more dedicated to it. He was impressed by the community approach of the program, its practicality and MacNamara, who he said he believes is “in it for all the right reasons.” Since Brown got involved with In Harmony, he has performed in five benefit concerts, recorded the benefit album “Solid Heart” and pledged to raise $100,000. His next benefit concert will be with DiFranco, whom he asked to help with the cause last summer.
DiFranco is currently touring the West Coast, promoting her latest album, “To The Teeth.” Sunday’s benefit concert in Corvallis will be her only Oregon appearance. Both DiFranco and Brown are giving all of their artist’s fees from the concert to In Harmony as they try to raise the $800,000 that the organization needs to begin building the In Harmony neighborhood.
Sunday’s concert is just one of many small steps in the right direction.
“How wonderful to have two Grammy-nominated folk artists come together for these children who have no one,” MacNamara said. “I think it’s really touching.”
MacNamara does not know how much the concert will raise, but she said she will be satisfied no matter what the outcome.
“Really the goal of this concert isn’t the money,” she said. “It’s really about getting the word out, and it’s a wonderful way to do it.”