“It is never too late to set goals for yourself or go after your dreams.” Trinity Brooks has lived out these words for herself, and for her son Tristan, when she enrolled herself in the Project Learn GED program as a thirty-year-old single mom. Alexia Harris, Communications and Community Relations Manager for Project Learn, says that the organization began with a vision … [Read more...]
Poverty ministry shifts toward holistic approach (Article and Video)
“Paradigm shift.” This is how Dottie Achmoody describes the current state of OPEN M. For most of its 46-year history, the ministry has provided free food and medical care to the needy, along with many other critical programs. CEO Achmoody described how post-recession funding has caused the organization to take a critical look at its services, which recently expanded to … [Read more...]
Poverty ministry shifts toward holistic approach
“Paradigm shift.” This is how Dottie Achmoody describes the current state of OPEN M. For most of its 46-year history, the ministry has provided free food and medical care to the needy, along with many other critical programs. CEO Achmoody explains how post-recession funding has caused the organization to take a critical look at it’s services, which recently expanded to … [Read more...]
Horses helping humans: equine therapy group works with children with special needs (Article and Video)
Joey comes to Victory Gallop every week for his ride on Rufus. Kim Gustley and Sue Miller, two equine and child development experts, walk on either side of the Shetland pony Joey comes to see each week. As a three-year-old with Downs Syndrome, the rides are important for Joey, teaching him balance and a sense of direction, while also strengthening his core muscles and … [Read more...]
Rahab Ministries helps free local women from human trafficking, substance abuse (Article and Video)
“On any given day there are over 1,200 young people missing in Ohio, and all of them are at risk of being trafficked,” said Becky Moreland, an Akron resident who has dedicated her life’s work to the help and healing of victims of trafficking. She began her organization, Rahab Ministries, 12 years ago as a response to a friend’s challenge to make a difference in whatever way … [Read more...]
Petie the pony brightens day for Akron Children’s Hospital patients (Article and Video)
Petie the pony is just tall enough so that his face can reach the face of a child in a hospital bed. He approaches the bed easily and slowly, so that the child can reach out and pet his nose or his ears or mane. He keeps his eyes downcast as if to not scare the child. He moves carefully through whatever maze of catheters, tubes or wires might be around the bed. Petie weighs … [Read more...]
Perry Clark offers returning residents a ‘hand up,’ not a ‘handout’ (Article and Video)
Perry Clark had an addiction to making easy money, which led to an early life of crime and a 10-year prison sentence. He vowed never to return to prison, and to help others in his situation to walk the path of professionalism, second chances and freedom. Through Truly Reaching You (TRY) Ministries, Clark offers jobs in commercial lawn care, home remodeling and commercial … [Read more...]