Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
When Aurora Ross became involved with EN-RICH-MENT for the first time at 14 years old, she unknowingly was laying the foundation for years of service to come. More than a decade after walking through its doors for the first time, Ross continues to uphold the organization’s mission of empowering and uplifting local youth by providing access to education, arts, health and life skills.
Following an initial internship with the Canton-based nonprofit, Ross went on to participate in classes, serve as an office assistant and join the drumline—later becoming the drumline’s director.
In 2022, she graduated from Walsh University with a degree in education and went on to teach sixth grade math and science. After feeling a pull to return to her roots, Ross found her way back to EN-RICH-MENT the next year, and now serves as the organization’s director of programs.
“I wanted to be able to do more than I could in a traditional classroom,” said Ross. “Working with children, families, schools and the community is my passion. These connections build a village, and that's what it takes to provide a foundation of prepared young people entering the world.”
In her current role, Ross helps shape the artistic and academic opportunities the nonprofit offers for underserved youth in Stark County, ranging from weekly rehearsals and public showcases to life lessons and leadership development. She oversees after-school classes, workshop, trainings and summer camps that teach music, dance, theater and visual arts to more than 200 participants. Ensuring that EN-RICH-MENT’s programs run smoothly, Ross spends her days visiting classrooms, evaluating lesson plans and providing guidance to teaching artists.
“I carry this love for teaching children and interacting with the community,” said Ross. “I did a lot of studying on the importance of community, school and family involvement in shaping a child's growth— that’s what led me to an interest in programming rather than teaching.”
Since her time as an intern, Ross had watched EN-RICH-MENT’s enrollment nearly double and was thrilled when the nonprofit moved to its new, larger space at 901 Market Ave. N in 2024.
“We made do with the space we had— makeshift classrooms, sectioning off spaces with curtains and holding classes outside,” said Ross. “In our new building every class has a designated space with state-of-the-art equipment. Coming full-circle, it is amazing to walk around and know that this space is EN-RICH-MENT.”
Beyond programming, Ross manages various family situations and maintains available resources to uplift students and families outside of EN-RICH-MENT. She also handles the nonprofit’s data tracking and grant reporting.
“The most rewarding part of my job is when students come up to me and tell me they feel cared for, like they belong and like they're loved here,” said Ross. “This is a second home to many students, and I hope to continue building a culture at EN-RICH-MENT that is not only conducive to learning, but that is uplifting and centered around positive growth of all students and their families.”