Hugworks staff, volunteers, and apprentices deliver services to children with severe illnesses,disabilities, and abusive experiences through two programs, Therapeutic Music Entertainment and Music Therapy. Hugworks helps children cope with the psychological and physical issues created by these conditions through the healing effects of live music. Hugworks direct services can help children relieve pain through laughter and relaxation, gain some control over their environment, vent their frustration and other feelings in positive ways, normalize their environment, improve socialization, develop self-esteem, and feel okay about being different. We work with child life specialists and other medical and early childhood professionals to ensure that the songs and music presented embody appropriate messages of acceptance and unconditional love which speak to children of diverse backgrounds.

Hugworks currently serves children and caregivers in nine DFW facilities. We also serve up to 25 additional Texas children's hospitals and pediatric units, three summer camps in Texas and California, and we tour hospitals around the nation 20-25 days each year.

Through its two direct services, Therapeutic Music Entertainment (TME) and Music Therapy (MT), Hugworks serves many thousands of children, caregivers, and healthcare professionals annually. In 2011, Hugworks provided services for 18,994 individuals which was 27.7% increase over 2010. We have added three TME volunteers and one new music therapist to our team over the last two years.