Open to the public, Full Circle Storytelling events revolve around a theme and the idea: everyone has a story. By encouraging community members to tell their own true tales, each storyteller is placed at the center of his or her own life journey. We use narrative as a way to promote understanding between diverse peoples, building bridges – not walls – within our community. … [Read more...]
South Street Ministries co-founder issues call to action to residents, launches ‘WHO CARES’ discussion series
Next meeting takes place May 26 at Front Porch Cafe -- This piece is the first of a series focusing on the efforts of Duane Crabbs and South Street Ministries (SSM) to collaborate with business, local government and ordinary people in our community who come forward and say, “I do!” in answer to the question that is also the name of the initiative, “WHO CARES?” While South … [Read more...]
Family Promise keeps local homeless families, even pets, together
Homelessness. The numbers, sadly, continue to rise, and Akron is not immune to that increase. Not having permanent shelter, particularly during the brutal winters this area has experienced during the past two years, has to be disconcerting, to say the very least. Some families with children and pets risk being separated from one another because many homeless shelters do … [Read more...]
Working Class Vegan Man: Healthy greens aren’t accessible to all (Article and Video)
Nothing is better for you than whole foods. The closer the apple is to its true self, the more doctors you'll be able to keep away. An apple-filled PopTart won't have the same effect as the real thing. Our grocery stores are filled with great produce options, and organic labels seem to be a growing trend. More and more farmer’s markets are popping up around Akron. Our … [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...]
Local agencies help residents make the climb out of poverty
There's always been a delineation among those in poverty, the middle class and the wealthy. And while members of each may try to understand how those outside of their own class live, rarely is it accurate — or even possible — to fully grasp. But collective strides are taking place locally among volunteers and community leaders in the middle and upper class to partner with … [Read more...]