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“Young At Heart Choir’s” Mission Statement
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Young At Heart (YAH) ministry promotes senior adults’ companionship, fellowship, accountability, and active participation through singing and performance in the communities, churches in and around New Mexico and other states in the USA.

Connie Atkinson, the founder and director of this organization, says of the partnership, “We walk in the spirit of our youth, while reacting in the wisdom of our age.”  As a community choir, YAH performs at churches, retirement homes, and community events throughout the New Mexico area and states around the USA.  There are nineteen different denominations represented in this group of over 120 members.  The group is comprised of members from the greater Rio Grande area to include: Bernalillo County, Sandoval Country, and Valencia Country.  YAH Choir’s audiences range in size of several thousand people to smaller audiences of twenty five to fifty people.  There is no fee charged for the performances, but often gifts are given by the audience as they partner with YAH Choir to encourage the ministry.

The artists of this group (choir members and technical musicians) memorize and perform gospel and Christian music from earlier years.  People “grew up” with the music they sing and perform, and all performances are professionally given to show the seriousness of the artists' dedication to the organization and purpose.

Seniors are encouraged and emotionally supported through the YAH Choir Ministries as many are suffering from depression, inactivity, discouragement, poor health, and loneliness.  And some lack in compatibility with family, friends, and community.  Both YAH members and our audiences need this encouragement and support.

Presently, the group performs an average of three concerts a month and travels nationally twice a year at its own expense, giving concerts in retirement homes, hospitals, jails and churches large and small, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Kansas, California, Florida, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, Texas and Arkansas and wherever they are invited.  Most of the seniors in the YAH organization are of fixed income, and their ages range from 55 to 97 years.  Some experience physical problems and emotional disabilities and are helped and encouraged by YAH.