It’s the second time the group has come together to share their talents and for their parents it’s a chance for their special needs adult children to spend time with the friends they have made- something they don’t always get to do.

For Donna and Scott Brown, of Franklin Township, whose daughter, Amanda, is part of the group, being there not only gives her a time to perform-which they admit she loves-but more importantly it’s a time she can just hang out with her friends.

“She absolutely loves coming. She loves her music. She loves performing. She loves getting up on the stage and everybody watching her. And she enjoys it,” Donna said.

“I don’t think they realize what they’re getting out of it. They’re talking. Before we start, they’re greeting each other. They’re making friends,” she added.

Diana Logan and her daughter Amber of Williamsport lead the group during the weekly practice of the Music from the Heart group. The group of special needs adults are praticing their songs for an upcoming concert April 18. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“It’s their community, basically their special needs community,” Scott interjected.

The Browns pointed out that it’s hard to find activities for their daughter and others in her community, especially in rural areas of the state and he thinks most people don’t realize that.

“If you’re in a city, there’s a chance you can find something. But we live in the biggest county in the state and we still, we all come together, and there’s so many different things thanks to people like Diana,” Scott said.

The Diana he spoke about is Diana Logan, of Montoursville, who put together the group last year. Their inaugural performance was very successful with practically a full house of people coming to see these special people perform.

Their repertoire included songs from different genres, often adding creative movements to act out the songs.

And they love it. When asked their favorite thing about being a part of the production many had a favorite song or they liked dancing to the music.

“I’m excited for Saturday, April 18. I’m excited to be performing again,” said local personality Rashawn West-Bey.

“I did the dancing. I did my exercise,” West-Bey added, to the cheers of his fellow performers.

Scott said that he and his wife have encountered people who don’t know what is available for their children like “Music from the Heart, and yet have been “doing it on their own for 40 years.”

“We just look at them and say, okay, listen we’ve got to get you hooked up,” he said.

“It’s hard to get the word out because of where we are,” Donna said.

“Music is very nice for all of them,” she added.

“I haven’t found a single special needs kid who didn’t like it, even the ones who can’t take the sound. They still like the music,” Scott said.

Also helping with the program are Heather Eck, Erica Hoyt, Alaina VanFleet, and Rick and Cherie Wurster.

For Logan, being around the people who have come out to sing is witnessing the “way the world should be.”

She pointed out that when they come to practice they greet the people who are helping them learn the songs and dance moves for the performance with “I love you.” And during the practice sessions there are words of encouragement for each other. No condemnation. No bullying. No making fun of someone else.

And yet, as Logan said, “they’re considered disabled.”

The performance will be at 6 p.m. April 18 at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Drive, Montoursville. There is no cost, but donations will be accepted.