Our Founders - Zach Schafer and Zak Courtney (Z&Z)

Meet our Founders Zach Schafer and Zak Courtney. Zach and Zak, started Band of the Strong after working through their own grief processes with the use of music, art, and writing. These two best friends have been helping children since 2016 through the development and execution of the organization’s programming. Z&Z have over a decade of experience working in both non-profit and for-profit fields, as well as extensive education and research backgrounds that aid in the development of programs that serve the community in the best way possible.

Our Story

My name is Zach Schafer. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Band of the Strong. At the age of 8 my father was murdered. In the following 13 years I worked to get through what had happened to my father. My emotions varied, but mostly I was angry and sad. Eventually I picked up a guitar and decided to learn to play. It took me about a month to catch on, which I came to find out later, was rather quick. It was only after this that I learned that my father had also played the guitar when he was alive. It was in this connection that I found with my father, which helped me to find healing in playing, singing, and song writing. I believe that when a person finds something that brings them great peace, it is of them to give it back to the world. Band of the Strong was started to honor my father and to help kids in tough situations find peace in their own lives.

In the beginning John Catt and Blue Star Connection helped Band of the Strong to develop a vision for how they would impact the Nebraska community. John was always willing to share his wisdom.

Rulon International and Guitars for Children, provided Band of the Strong with beautiful cigar box guitars. We remember our first conversation going something like this:

Us: "We need about 100 guitars, how much will this cost?"

Rulon International: "The guitars are free, give me an address and we will have them there in a couple of weeks."

Wow. No words.

Weibling Entrepreneurship Clinic and Kyle Gibson helped Band of the Strong to take all of these ideas and turn them into a solid foundation from which to Band of the Strong would continue help the community into the future.

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