Our 2024 Grants were presented at our Rise & Shine With Kiwanis for Kids Breakfast in September.
South Street Ministries
$1000 to support the operation of the Bike Shop program
This program serves hundreds of Summit Lake youth and families and has expanded into the neighboring communities of Kenmore, Barberton, and South Akron for additional services. The requested funds will support the pragmatic needs of Bike Shop—tubes, tires, tools, locks, helmets, lights, and more. Accepting the grant is Chris Usner, Bike Shop Director, South Street Ministries.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, & Stark Counties
$1,120 toward the purchase of the Owl Pro Virtual Meeting Hardware
This advanced technology will enable BBBS to conduct virtual and hybrid meetings more effectively—ensuring its mentors and mentees stay connected and supported regardless of physical distance. Accepting the grant is Samantha Vetrick, Site Based Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, & Stark Counties.
Family Promise of Summit County
$2,500 toward the purchase of children’s beds
Family Promise’s emergency shelter program provides temporary accommodations to families experiencing homelessness. These beds will be provided to children transitioning to permanent housing. Accepting the grant is Erica Ward Cherry, Director of Case Management, Family Promise of Summit County.
The Well CDC
$3,000 to support the Akron Hope program
This year-round program provides resources for students at
Mason CLC and Helen Arnold CLC elementary schools to succeed academically and emotionally, and provides opportunities to connect families to stable housing, livable waged jobs, and each other. Accepting the grant for the 2024-2025 academic year is Chris Boswell, Program Director, The Well CDC.
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
$4,380 to support Building for Tomorrow’s Early Childhood Initiative
This initiative aims to maintain a commitment to the power and potential of relationships in the lives of families. It’s designed to prepare Akron’s youngest learners for kindergarten and equip families with the tools they need to build self-sufficiency. Accepting the grant is Amina Hall, Fund Development Senior Manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Why should you support An Evening With Kiwanis for Kids?
Proceeds will be used to maintain and grow young leadership in Greater Akron
Enhanced service leadership guidance and programming will be made available to Greater Akron middle school children
High school students can take advantage of continued service leadership programs
Our primary goal is to grow and maintain service leadership programs (Builders Clubs) for each public and private middle school in the Greater Akron area. A Builders Club—the largest service organization for middle school students ages 11 to 15—is designed to provide members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership. The club is student led, operates under school regulations, and draws its members from the student body. When started at a young age, the service club experience prepares its members to become the most engaged members of their communities—now and in the future.
We know the transition from grade school to middle school can be tough for any adolescent boy or girl. Common challenges children face include dealing with social pressures, making new friends, communicating with teachers, confronting bullies, becoming a positive contributor, bouncing back from failure and disappointments, and learning about the world. With your help, our middle school-aged children will have access to programming and resources that will help them transition into confident young adults.
