PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY blOCK pARTY

Incredible things can happen when people grow in a sense of community. Relationships can be established, healthy environments are created for children to grow and develop, practical and spiritual needs can be met, and neighborhoods can literally be restored from the inside out.

The Community Block Party is intended to be a catalyst for building healthy community. Our hope is to provide an opportunity for individuals and families to come together, share a meal, and grow in relationship with one another. We believe this creates a common – unity, which serves as the basis for community.

BACKPACK PROGRAM

Within the city of Akron, many students qualify for either free or reduced lunch prices. With families facing financial hardship, children are at risk for hunger and many families struggle to provide them the nutrition they need to thrive. As a result, children are coming to school too distracted by their growling stomachs to focus on doing well with their daily school work.

The Backpack Food Program is intended to meet the nutritional needs of children over weekends and school holidays, when students do not have access to free or reduced school meals. Occurring every week throughout the entire school year, our goal is to supply each child with breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day of the weekend, with the hope that no child goes home hungry!

YOUTH REC NIGHT

Youth Rec Night is a weekly program that we started in order to give teenagers within the community a safe place to hang out and have a good time while also building healthy relationships with young adults who can pour into them. One of the biggest needs in our community is the lack of resources and guidance for teenagers. As a result, many teenagers end up getting into trouble simply because they have nothing better to do.

Our Youth Rec Night meets those needs by giving teenagers a place where they can come once a week to play games, eat snacks and hang out with the supervision of young adults who can provide wisdom and guidance. Our goal is to help the youth in our community grow in faith, maturity and leadership by building organic relationships with adults and other teenagers.

CREATIVE LABS: Studio Program

Music is one of the biggest influences in our culture, especially for teenagers. Our Creative Lab Studio Program teaches youth in the community who have an interest in music the valuable skills of music production, writing, recording and mixing. This gives them the opportunity to express themselves in a healthy and creative way while also allowing them to obtain a skill that can be used to generate income. Not only do the teens learn a new set of skills, we also provide teaching and mentoring through local Christian artists, producers and engineers who will help them grow spiritually and as leaders in their community.

CREATIVE LABS: Girls Dance Program

Dance is one of the best way to bring girls in the community together. Our Girls Dance Program gives girls ages 10-17 to grow in their dance skills, build relationships and be provided with mentoring and guidance from adult volunteers. The girls meet every week to eat together, have a time of discussion and learn to grow in their dance skills.

ROSEMARY COMMUNITY DINNER

There’s something about sitting around a table together and eating a meal that brings people together and gives them a sense of community. This is the exact purpose of our weekly Rosemary Community Dinner.

Radiant Life Church in Wadsworth, OH, has partnered with us to host a community dinner every Thursday night. Anyone from the community is welcome to come enjoy a meal, fellowship and a short word of encouragement. Rosemary Community Dinner has been an amazing way to engage the community and build relationships.