The River is a place where underserved children, along with their siblings, can feel welcome, express themselves creatively, and meet new friends so they feel less socially isolated. 

The River is about inclusion in the world of dance, music, art and drama.  Students have a broad range of disabilities. Some are mild, some severe.  The River focuses on the ability, never the disability.  It’s about success.  It’s about artistic expression, which may be as simple as shaking a tambourine to a beat or as complicated as learning an African dance routine.  Students gain a hands-on appreciation for the arts while boosting their self-esteem, socialization skills, and ability to follow directions.

The students perform  in recitals at the end of each semester and at the end of each week in summer camp.  They shine on stage!