This month's guest is Kristen Williams the Executive Director Riverzedge Arts in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Riverzedge was formed in 2002 by artists, youth development professionals and community leaders concerned about patterns of violence among disaffected youth in the wake of the Columbine shootings. Riverzedge is built on the philosophy that art is a powerful force for social change, and that creative entrepreneurship through the arts is a productive and life-changing opportunity for teens. Riverzedge has garnered national attention and awards for the academic success and artistic achievements of their youth, and for their consistent performance and innovative approaches to youth development. In November 2013, The Wallace Foundation cited Riverzedge as one of 8 exemplary organizations nationwide in their research on out-of-school time arts programs for low-income urban teens. Riverzedge also was awarded a President’s Council on the Arts and the Humanities National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in 2010. MetLife/Afterschool Alliance Afterschool Innovator Award in 2009.  For more information about Riverzedge Arts, visit their website at : http://riverzedgearts.org/