"For the last year and a half, I've been going to RiverBend; it's like a second home to me. I'm there all the time taking music, dance, and acting classes. It gives me such a good feeling about my future!" - A RiverBend Academy Student
Dear Community Friends,
With over a decade of findings, the Americans for the Arts, YouthARTS, states that arts programs are proven to have a significant impact on youth.
Not only can such programs enhance young peoples' attitudes about themselves and their futures, but the programs also can increase academic achievement and decrease delinquent behavior.
"RiverBend has been such a great opportunity for me and many others. I am truly lucky to have something like RiverBend. It has helped me to grow not only in my music but in myself as well." - A RiverBend Academy Student
For some donors, the arts in economic times like these are often seen as light, soft and simply as entertainment; not valued as a critical need.
For our youth in Henderson County, there was never a more critical need. Adolescents are facing increasing drug, alcohol, teen pregnancies, crime and other unhealthy behaviors. This will only increase regardless of our economy unless YOU help provide healthy alternatives that actually increase academic achievement.
Poor behaviors and lack of a variety of alternatives are preventing our young people at record levels from going on to have successful and fruitful lives.
"RiverBend Academy has given me a place to call home away from home where I can do what I love, show students my love for them and for the music that I teach them." - An Instructor of RiverBend Academy
Based on a decade-long study of arts programs conducted at Stanford University, researchers estimate the cost per student per year for after-school arts programs is $1,000. They also estimate projected savings to society, based on youth services, court costs, probation officers, imprisonment costs, and so forth, to be $36,000 to $100,000 annually.
YOU can help teach our youth to dream, believe and achieve while they reach for the stars!
"What strikes me most about the RiverBend Academy experience is the ability of the instructors to motivate students with positive reinforcement. Once students begin with a RiverBend instructor, they are really motivated to develop a better work ethic, public confidence and managing anxiety in front of people. All these benefits will serve them well as adults." - A Parent of Two RiverBend Academy Students
Riverbend Academy, School of Visual & Performing Arts, exists to mentor and provide healthy diversion and intervention alternatives to not only those that can afford such an education, but also to serve those who do not have the financial means.
As a non-profit organization, RiverBend Academy needs community support to maintain and enhance it programs. Approximately 40% of RiverBend Academy's budget depends on contributions; which enables us to remain competitive in our offerings while serving the community as a vital resource.
"I simply love my instructors. As a whole, they really go above and beyond the typical student teacher relationship. They train, encourage and insist on a standard of excellence that gives me a sense of fulfillment, determination and confidence." - A RiverBend Academy Student
YOU can make a difference. Therefore, I encourage your support of RiverBend Academy through not only giving of your monetary gifts, but through your time and talents too -- we need lots of volunteers to keep this school moving forward.
Every contribution of support helps. But to give you an idea, a contribution of $50 can give a student one month of group lessons; at $100 a student can get one month of private lessons. At $1,500 a single student can get a full year of instruction along with help in obtaining an instrument, supplies and other needs for their lessons, practices and performances. Think of the impact YOU could have on that child's future in ONE YEAR!
"My daughter attends RiverBend Academy and the lessons have provided her with the confidence and poise to speak and perform in front of any size group. She has always been blessed with a musical talent, but the instructors have helped steer her in the direction needed and as a result her voice in now controlled and her range has improved tremendously. I have to say, she brings me to tears when she sings. Great job RiverBend!" -A Parent of a RiverBend Academy Student
YOU make it possible for RiverBend Academy to improve life in this region by creating a healthier environment for learning and succeeding at learning. Reducing the use of drugs, alcohol and teen pregnancy and lowering crime rates through mentoring after-school arts instruction (most drug use starts as adolescents after school between the times of 4 and 6 p.m.) as well as supporting juvenile courts diversion programs. By providing healthy alternatives, our youth will be involved, forward-thinking and busy in their communities.
YOU benefit when you support RiverBend Academy:
Please know that all contributions YOU make will positively impact the youth of Henderson County and the region.
On behalf of RiverBend Academy's Board of Directors, thank you for your thoughtful consideration of your support and we hope to see you involved with us soon.
Regards, Steve Casey, Chairman, Board of Directors RiverBend Academy, Inc.
"It is extremely hard to put into words what RiverBend Academy has meant to our family. First it has provided us a venue to continue our personal mission of teaching dance to children in the community. We believe with all our hearts that kids can become better adults by learning an art form. We have been able to bring joy and confidence to a child as they progress. RiverBend Academy is a jewel for this community that links families together in their pursuit of culture." Instructors of RiverBend Academy
