ABOUT US
Our Mission
Akron Dream Center is a faith based non profit organization that exists to help dreams come to life by sharing hope in Christ with under-served individuals and families in Akron, Ohio through providing relief and restoration for practical and spiritual needs.
To borrow an old adage – “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life.” We want to do both!
Our Vision
In efforts to serve our community, the Akron Dream Center strives to provide relief in immediate needs such as food and assistance, but also strives to lead people to restoration in their God given dreams for a brighter future through equipping, empowering, and mentoring.
We do this by building relationships as we provide resources, support, education, and assistance to families in need through community outreach initiatives and programs.
OUR TEAM
Caleb Yanno
Director
Jeri and Russ Nottingham
BACKPACK PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Tyler Fields
BLOCK PARTY COORDINATOR
Don Chinchar
Media/ youth Rec night coordinator
Halle Jordan
DANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Rusty Nottingham
FounDer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rusty Nottingham
founder/ President
Rusty has been in occupational ministry since 2012, serving in various roles. Blessed with a heart to reach the under-served people of Akron, the 2003 graduate of Kenmore High School founded the Akron Dream Center to share hope, relief, and restoration to those in need. Rusty was licensed as a minister of the Foursquare Church in 2014, and ordained in 2016. In efforts to prepare for the role of leading an organization, he has taken several non profit management classes through the University of Akron online, volunteered with and been part of several non profit organizations, sat on church council meetings, and been poured into and coached by other Dream Center leaders across the country.
Mike Brooker
treasurer
Mike Brooker is a retired accountant of almost 40 years. Along with his professional experience, he and his wife have volunteered as the regional missions director at Cornerstone Chapel for more than 3 years. Mike brings a wealth of financial knowledge to the table, that is coupled with an understanding of charitable work. He is also a 1978 graduate of Kent State University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. In his professional tenure, Mike has held roles such as Controller of Trader Office, Accounting Manager, Director of Accounting and VP/Controller, and VP of Accounting, experiences which will serve to help Akron Dream Center be effective, efficient, and integral with finances.
John Munka
secretary
John Munka
has been a financial advisor and registered investment advisor for over 30
years. He has maintained his own
personal financial consulting firm since 1994.
He is a 1982 graduate of The University of Akron with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Industrial Accounting.
In addition to his professional experience, John has served on several
parish council and religious finance council boards. He and his wife joined Cornerstone Chapel in
2018 and they have both been volunteers and advocates for the Dream Center. John has a strong belief in the mission and
vision of the Akron Dream Center.
Cassandra Leavell
Board member
Cassandra is a passionate follower of Jesus has an unmistakable passion for people, missions and practical discipleship. Having been blessed with open doors both home and abroad, she has had the opportunity to travel and preach the gospel in El Salvador, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and several times in the Republic of Kenya, in East Africa.
Recently as of the fall of 2021, Cassandra was named President of Mtoto International, a missions-focused, non-profit organization that has a passion for reaching children, women, and families in East Africa with the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
In her spare time, she enjoys recording music, playing games, cooking, traveling and making memories with her husband and three amazing children.
Brenden F. D. Lewis
Board member
Brenden, a Youngstown native has a heart for Jesus and for people to walk in biblical integrity. He currently serves on staff at Victory Christian Center in Lowellville, Ohio as their worship and young adults pastor. Brenden’s passion is to serve people with excellence so that we may win more for JESUS! Brenden enjoys leading worship and pouring into those around him “I desire to see all people worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth, as it says in John 4:23-24. I love radical and passionate times of worship where we shift our attention to JESUS and call down Heaven. There is nothing like His presence!” Brenden is the founder and heart behind the ministry of Ascend 24.
Angel Porubsky
Board member
Angel is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. For the previous six years she served as the director of “Ohio Girls Ministries” resourcing nearly 300 churches with programs and resources to help develop and train girls ranging from kindergarten through twelfth grade. A mother of three, pastor of a multi-campus church, event coordinator, Ascend 24 accountability board member, and friend, Angel’s heart to love and serve others is what shines brightest. She has much experience in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and leader-development. Angel’s background in a multiethnic/multiracial home and environment also offers insight and perspective beneficial to the Akron Dream Center.
Cornell Jordan
Board member Emeritus
Cornell has served in ministry since 1991. He holds credentials through the Assemblies of God, serves as the founder and president of Cornell Jordan Ministries, and lead pastor of Metro Assembly of God in Youngstown, Ohio. Over the past few years, Cornell has had many opportunities to travel locally, regionally, and globally conducting religious and humanitarian efforts for children and adults alike. His passion, experience, and global perspective will prove key in the Akron Dream Center vision as we move forward.