Blessed and highly favored: One lady’s story of growing programs for youth & transforming community

Send us Fan MailMiss Betty Smith shares her incredible journey from childhood poverty to creating a state-of-the-art arts education center that transforms young lives in Canton, Ohio. At 84, she dances in parades, leads drumlines, and builds programs that give children alternatives to gang recruitment, serving as a living example that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.• Grew up "dirt poor" but rich in love, with a mother who taught her that "living is giving"• Organized neighborhood activities and music programs from a young age, unknowingly preparing for her life's mission• Moved to Chicago at 18, facing weight discrimination that inspired her commitment to healthy living• Built recovery homes for women with children battling addiction in Chicago• Managed programs with Catholic Charities serving over 1,100 people• Established Multi-Development Services in Canton, creating homeless shelters and transitional housing• Recently opened the Enrichment Arts Education Center, serving children from 77 different schools with free programming• Partners with juvenile courts to provide alternative programming for youth with misdemeanors• Believes firmly that "there's no such thing as a bad child" and that every young person can succeed with proper support• Emphasizes both discipline and love in her approach to working with youthVisit the Enrichment Arts Education Center at 901 Market North in Canton, Ohio to see how Betty and her team are changing lives through the arts.Support the show