By Molly Balison
The sound of voices coming together in harmony could be heard throughout the shelter as Kendra Kae and Jackie Beale from Women’s Voices led a singing circle in the women’s side lobby. The women who participated were encouraged to sing about whatever came to their hearts, no matter how it sounded.
Kae created Women’s Voices in 2013 in Bali and has brought it with her to the United Kingdom, New York, and now Boise, Idaho as of May 2025. She leads singing circles open to all women at Marigolds Boise, bonding communities that might not normally get together.
“I have been wanting to bring singing circles to other types of communities because singing helps us to feel part of everything, part of other people. So, we’re not so alone,” Kae said.
Kae shared the science behind singing and why it’s important to the human experience. When you sing, endorphins (“feel-good” chemicals) are released in the brain which can alleviate stress and anxiety and boost your mood.
Beale, a singer who joined Women’s Voices just weeks prior to her visit to Interfaith, said, “It’s been really healing and really joyful and a little sad sometimes to kind of get back to that inner child.”
The group sang lyrics written by Kae including a song called “Rebel Love” that repeated, “Love recklessly. Love rebelliously. Love radically. Be a rebel for love.” One verse in a song called “Be Yourself” was, “You’ve got nothing better than to be yourself, nothing better to do than to love yourself.” Other songs were created collaboratively in the moment based on how the participants sang their own original lyrics or notes.
Julie Loomis, a programmer and Word on the Street contributor, embraced the vulnerability of the singing circle despite being hesitant to join at first and sang beautifully, leaving her feeling at peace. “It was creative and unique and it bonded you together,” she said.
Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the women’s lobby of the shelter, the women’s singing circle will connect over community, vulnerability, and songs about women’s empowerment. Whether you enjoy singing, want to try something new, need an hour-long break from the demands of the day, or are looking for encouragement, join the weekly singing circle and lift your voice to harmonize with others.