Welcome to Impact EN-Motion! I’m Betty Smith, Executive Director and Co-Founder of EN-RICH-MENT. As our 14th anniversary approaches, I’m pleased to welcome you to our new quarterly newsletter, Impact EN-Motion, a space to celebrate how your support is changing lives across Stark County, and the real impact you’re making every day.
As spring brings warmer weather and renewed energy, our students are thriving — from expressing themselves through joyful dance, vibrant art, and music, to marching in the Akron St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Thanks to the continued support of donors, partners, and the community, these programs keep providing young people with meaningful opportunities to grow through the arts.
▶️ A Special Message from Betty - Watch the video below for a personal message from Betty Smith, sharing more about this exciting season and the impact you’re helping create! |
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In this edition of Impact EN-Motion you can expect program highlights, a special success story, and what’s coming up next at EN-RICH-MENT. Your support makes all of this possible. Thank you for being part of our community and for believing in the power of the arts to transform lives! |
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Artistic Expressions: Transforming Young Lives |
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Led by teaching artist Sara Caplinger, the Artistic Expressions program gives children ages 5–8 a safe and supportive place to explore their feelings through art and group conversations. With support from United Way of Greater Stark County, the class helps reduce the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It also helps young people build confidence, improve social skills, and learn healthy ways to manage their emotions.
We’re proud to share the progress of a special trio in our Artistic Expressions program, triplets raised by a dedicated single mother who has now been with us for three semesters. When they first joined EN-RICH-MENT, they were curious and full of energy, but they had a hard time managing their emotions and staying focused. They often cried, yelled, hid under tables, or shut down when they felt overwhelmed.
With steady encouragement, clear routines, and hands-on art activities, the children have learned new ways to calm themselves and express their feelings safely. Today, their confidence shows in every project they create. Their mother says they have become more independent, patient, and able to work with others. She also shares that they wake up excited for class and feel like they belong to a community.
Teachers have noticed major improvements too. The triplets now show far fewer disruptive behaviors and are able to use painting, music, and movement to express what they’re feeling.
Their growth is a powerful reminder that with support, structure, and a caring environment, every child can thrive. Thank you, United Way, for supporting Artistic Expressions! |
About the Teaching Artist
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| Sara Caplinger is a behavior-management specialist, an Ohio Arts Council–registered teaching artist, and a certified trauma-aware mentor through OCCRRA.
She brings trauma-informed practices and practical classroom strategies to her work, helping children build emotional resilience and creative confidence. |
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Because of your generosity, 2025 was a year of incredible growth at EN-RICH-MENT! It was our first full year at our new location, 901 Market Ave. N. With more space, new classes were added and more students were impacted, expanding our impact across Stark County:
- 535 young people served (ages 5–18) - 150+ students returned for multiple semesters - 91 Stark County schools reached - 6,500+ healthy meals and snacks provided - 82 different fine and performing arts classes offered
- 30 community partners worked with us A key reason we grew was the generosity of donors to the 1000 Squares to Grow campaign, which ended on December 31. We’re grateful to everyone who gave—whether they sponsored part of a square or many. We’re creating a permanent donor display to honor each square and will unveil it in late spring or early summer.
Your generosity through the 1000 Squares to Grow campaign helped raise $59,186.98, directly supporting the kids we serve! To see how these gifts helped, download the 2025 Impact Report. |
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Summer Class Registration Is Now Open! |
This summer, students ages 5–18 will explore dance, music, theater, visual arts, media, and wellness in a supportive, creative environment at EN-RICH-MENT. Summer classes run from June 9 - July 17, and spots fill fast. Share this with a family who could benefit! Register Now. |
| Experience the Energy of HBCU Culture In Canton, OH |
Join us April 24–25th as guest instructors from top HBCU organizations nationwide bring authentic drumming, dance, and flag training to EN-RICH-MENT! This high-energy experience is open to students ages 5-18, educators, and community members alike. Learn More & Register + View Sponsorship Opportunities.
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We're proud to recognize two exceptional students who embodied the spirit of EN-RICH-MENT this past semester, showing up with curiosity, commitment, and heart. |
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Winter (Ages 5–8) | Bright, outgoing, and always eager to learn, Winter has been a joy to watch this semester. She's made wonderful strides in both violin and dance, bringing her signature enthusiasm to every class. |
| Kalani (Ages 9–18) | Kalani's love of music knows no limits. From guitars and orchestral strings to percussion, and now saxophone, Kalani continues to explore new instruments with passion and dedication — a reflection of what it means to grow through the arts.
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Because of you, creativity is building confidence, and opportunity is creating lasting change for young people at. EN-RICH-MENT. We are deeply grateful for your continued support, and excited for what’s ahead! With appreciation, |
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