About Us

About EN-RICH-MENT

We envision a world where every child, regardless of background, has access to creative expression, mentorship, and the opportunity to become a leader in their own life and community.

Our Mission

Our Values

  • Creativity: We believe in the power of creativity to inspire, innovate, and transform lives. 

  • Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. 

  • Excellence: We are committed to providing high-quality arts education programs that uphold the highest standards of artistic integrity and educational excellence. 

  • Empowerment: We empower youth to discover their unique voices, express themselves authentically, and pursue their passions with confidence and determination. 

Our History

EN-RICH-MENT empowers and uplifts youth, families, and communities by providing access to education, arts, health, and life skills opportunities to inspire growth, creativity, and a brighter future for all.

Our values shape our dedication to providing high-quality arts instruction to the youth in Stark County and include:

  • Collaboration: We believe in the strength of collaboration and partnership, working together with students, families, educators, local and national artists, and the community to achieve our shared goals. 

  • Accessibility: We are dedicated to making arts education accessible to all youth, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability, by removing barriers and providing opportunities for participation and enrichment. 

  • Impact: We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our participants' lives.  

Since 2012, EN-RICH-MENT has empowered youth in the Stark County community through artistic expression that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and enriches lives, creating a vibrant and supportive community where every young person can thrive

In 2023, EN-RICH-MENT became an official affiliate of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps to aid in strategic vision and execution. Through an outpouring of community support and a rental agreement between ArtsinStark and the Bluecoats, EN-RICH-MENT moved into a new facility designed for our programs at 901 Market Avenue North, Canton, Ohio, where a large percentage of the county’s urban poor and moderate-income families reside. At this location, we have the capacity to add new and expanded programs to positively impact the lives of additional youth and families in and around the Stark County community. Today, we serve over 500 students annually, with students representing 77 schools across Stark County.

Message from our Co-Founder and Executive Director

What started as a vision to bring the arts to children in Canton who previously lacked access due to cost or transportation has blossomed into a movement beyond imagination. This movement provides tools for children and young adults to express themselves, offers a space to be seen, and provides encouragement to lead, allowing young people to rise and shine brightly.

Every student who beats a drum, dances a step, grabs a brush, or sings a note tells a story of resilience, pride, and possibility. I am humbled by the brilliance of our students and grateful to every partner, donor, and volunteer who helps make this work possible.

Together, we are building a future where all youth can thrive, artistically, emotionally, and as leaders in their own lives. It is with deep gratitude and a humble heart that I say thank you and invite you to stop by and see what arts are doing for tomorrow’s leaders.

Betty Smith,

Executive Director and Co-Founder