Jeffery Daniel Mercado (Piipaash) will offer a presentation, "Native American Perspectives: The Church's Role in Racial Justice," Friday, Aug. 18, 7 to 9 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St. The event is free and open to the public. Mercado will speak about the history of indigenous people in the United States and will share an indigenous … [Read more...]
Girls Studio theatre performance explores self-identity, empowerment
There was a nervously positive energy onstage and in the audience at the Front Porch Cafe in South Akron as the neighborhood teenage girls prepared to share the result of 10 weeks of work. Their offering: a unique theatre performance that blurred the line between performer and audience and lessons that would stay with them far beyond the night of the show. “She is.,” which … [Read more...]
South Street summer bike shop offers hands-on experience for area children
The children involved in South Street Ministries’ summer bike shop are taught to fix their own bikes and are required to work a few shifts before they can take their bicycles home, which helps teach the South Akron and Summit Lake neighborhood children what it means to give back. The program has grown considerably over 10 years, to the point where South Street has hired … [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...]
South Akron’s Front Porch Café reopens with new kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch
The newly renovated Front Porch Cafe in South Akron is another installation in the story of Akron's neighborhood renaissance along with North Hill, Kenmore, East Akron and Highland Square. The Front Porch Café is reopening on Friday, Feb. 5, serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a full commercial grade kitchen and a friendly atmosphere, … [Read more...]
Seeking neighborhood leaders: Neighborhood Leadership Institute provides tools for community advocates (Article and Video)
Program seeks new members, deadline is Jan. 8 -- Do you have an idea for improving your neighborhood, but need the tools and connections to accomplish this? If so, Neighborhood Leadership Institute can connect you with the people, organizations and possible funding to make this vision a reality. The grassroots program, run by United Way of Summit County, enables residents … [Read more...]
Akron Community Foundation awards $1.8 million in grants
Health, Human Services grants include $86,000 to address homelessness Akron Community Foundation’s board of directors recently approved grants totaling $1.8 million, including $1.3 million in grants from 82 designated, donor-advised, agency endowment and scholarship funds, and $495,468 in competitive health and human services grants chosen by the organization’s Community … [Read more...]
The new face of community-building in University Park
Neighborhood Network is mobilizing residents in one of Akron’s most challenged areas --- Volunteers of the Neighborhood Network of University Park (NNUP) often get confused for an earlier organization, one that deflated in a flurry of broken promises and legal issues, forestalling an ambitious development plan for this embattled group of neighborhoods, and leaving empty … [Read more...]
Changing face of leadership celebrated at grassroots networking event
A networking event Tuesday at the Akron Art Museum will celebrate the grassroots and neighborhood leaders in Akron. The Different Faces of Akron will take place Tuesday, April 7, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Akron Art Museum. The event will celebrate the changing face of leadership with music, food and organizations from the margins of Akron. Much like plants create nutrients deep … [Read more...]
Duane Crabbs discusses community concerns, healing (Akronist TV)
Joining us for the first Akronist TV episode is Pastor Duane Crabbs of South Street Church Ministries in Akron. Crabbs and his family took a huge lifestyle risk in order to be more hands on in the community. After leaving his job as a firefighter, Crabbs felt a divine calling to outreach more in the community and soon enough he moved from the sunny safe suburbs to the tough … [Read more...]
