The University of Akron’s planned major reonvation of the old Polsky Department Store Building in Downtown Akron just got another boost from a non-profit organization.
In addition to the $20 million dollar Knight Foundation grant, which started the ball rolling back in 2022; the GAR Foundation gave the University $500 thousand dollars this year, in September.
But today, the Akron Community Foundation announced it is also kicking in some money for the project. They are donating $50 thousand dollars towards the renovation, plus an additional $25 thousand dollars for the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art.
The renovation, which has been in the planning and design phase for the past couple of years, is expected to get underway next year, and when it is completed in 2027, the building will house a number of different departments, including the University of Akron’s Early College High School, their ESports Program, a Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling, and much more.
But those grants are just a part of the Foundation’s overall funding efforts this quarter.
Today, they announced $4.3 million dollars in grants for a wide variety of community organizations and non-profits.
Some of the other major recipients include the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Community Legal Aid, and the International Institute of Akron.
According to a news release; $850 thousand dollars of the grants they made this funding cycle were for health and human services.
“This grant cycle comes at a time of great need and is the largest health and human services grant cycle approved by the board in the foundation’s history.
Among the nonprofits funded this quarter is International Institute of Akron, which was awarded a health and human services grant for $34,800 to help provide extended social services for refugees and immigrants. While resettlement was paused early this year by executive order, many refugees and immigrants have been cut off from existing resettlement-funded services like healthcare, housing, and education, underscoring the need for the International Institute’s social service-focused programs.
“People enrolled in the program have access to intensive case management, which is usually an extended period of time where we help them navigate a particular barrier in life, whether it’s food insecurity, housing insecurity, or health care access. But some people might just need one-off support services,” said Madhu Sharma, executive director of International Institute of Akron. “And we anticipate additional supports are needed as medical access starts to shift for immigrants and refugees in 2026.” The agency reports that 50 people are currently enrolled in the program; however, International Institute has served more than 200 people over the past few months.
In total, 81 organizations received funding during the health and human services cycle, including a $12,500 grant to Akron Blind Center, which will support an array of programs that build skills, confidence and connection, like braille and computer classes, job training, life skills assistance, volunteerism and creative outlets like crafting workshops where members and volunteers make winter hats that are donated to Akron Children’s Hospital patients.
Akron Blind Center provides a vital source of connection for members like LaJohn Ellies Jr., who sustained vision and hearing loss following an injury. “Five years ago, I was accidentally shot in the head,” said Ellies, who added he was in a deep depression after the incident. “I came to the Blind Center and never left. It just became my second home.”
Also receiving a health and human services grant this quarter was Christ Child Society, which provides shoes and clothing for local students in need. The organization, established in Akron in 1957, is experiencing a marked increase in need this year. “Last year we (completed) 997 clothing orders for the year,” said Kathy Kuebel, who’s chair of the grant and clothing center programs at Christ Child Society. “I looked at our data about a month ago, and we’re approximately 150 orders more at this point in the year as compared to the same point last year. So, we’re feeling a real increase in the need in the community.”
Nearly $90,000 in health and human services funding was made possible through the generosity of donor-advised fundholders participating in Akron Community Foundation’s grant co-investment program. This program allows fundholders to review competitive grant applications and support initiatives that reflect their charitable passions.
Other grants recently approved by ACF’s Board of Directors include $50,000 to the University of Akron to help support the transformation of the Polsky building in downtown Akron with new classrooms, labs, maker spaces, an expanded E Sports arena, and a new gallery for the Myers School of Art; $25,000 to the Akron Art Museum to help renovate the museum’s adjoining 1899 building as a community-centered hub; and $25,000 to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank as part of the Nourish Our Neighbors campaign, in addition to $68,050 the foodbank was awarded from this quarter’s health and services grant funding. “
Grants will support the following health and human services programs:
A Kid Again Northern Ohio, to provide children with life-threatening conditions and their families with a cost-free day at a local, accessible venue like Cedar Point or the I-X Center, $8,500
ACCESS, to provide emergency shelter to women and women with children who are experiencing homelessness, $23,300
Adult Guardianship Services, to provide trained, court-appointed guardians for adults in Summit County who lack family or legal support and who are unable to make informed decisions for themselves due to illness, disability, or cognitive decline, $3,000
Akron Blind Center, to offer programs, resources and classes for people who are blind and visually impaired in Summit County, including Braille, computer literacy, physical fitness, crafts and volunteerism, $12,500
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, to support 2026 Summit County food distribution, the Venarge Family Food Pantry and the Summit County Direct Distribution Program, $68,050
Akron Children’s Hospital, to provide fresh and culturally relevant foods in Akron Children’s Food Farmacy, for income-eligible patient families, $10,000
American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, to support disaster cycle services in Summit County, including preparedness classes, disaster response and recovery assistance, $17,500
ARC Recovery Services, to support a peer-led transportation program to help with recovery, reunification, reentry, employment and community recovery events, $7,500
Autism Society of Greater Akron, to support social and recreational opportunities that decrease feelings of isolation for individuals ages seven to adult with autism and other developmental disabilities, $11,017
Axess Family Services Inc., to provide food and access to resources through Mobile Meals for Summit County residents, $26,000
Beacon Charitable Pharmacy, to support the Mobile Pharmacy Program, which offers access to medications, vaccinations and pharmaceutical education to Summit County residents, $5,000
Ben Curtis Family Foundation, to combat childhood hunger by distributing Birdie Bags, which contain nonperishable meals and snacks, to over 2,200 children in Summit County schools, ensuring reliable access to food for families facing insecurity, $6,000
Birthing Beautiful Communities, for the Perinatal Support Program, which provides early and continuous doula care, maternal mental health support, postpartum services, education and other resources for Black families in Summit County, $2,500
Black Economic and Wellness Coalition of Akron, to support the integration and development of the Black Economic and Wellness Coalition of Akron’s (BEWCA) Health and Wellness Initiative culturally grounded system of care for Summit County residents, $3,500
Buddy Up For Life, to support a pickleball clinic for individuals 12 and over who have Down Syndrome, $1,500
Canine Companions, to match and support service dog and facility dog teams in Summit County, $3,000
Carve Your Own Path, for inclusive, trauma-responsive counseling services for individuals who are marginalized and low-income, $5,000
Catholic Charities of Summit County, to support emergency assistance services, like medical bills, home repairs, medical supplies, phone bills and other basic needs, $18,000
Celiac and Allergy Friendly Food Initiative, to support a food pantry that serves allergy-friendly food to families with low incomes, $5,000
Chair-ity Inc., for the Chair-ity Summit County Houses to Homes Program, which provides essential furnishings to young adults aging out of foster care, along with other resources, $5,250
CHC Addiction Services, to provide work opportunities for patients losing Medicaid, $5,000
Christ Child Society of Akron, to provide school-appropriate clothing for students in need, $12,750
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, to support the ICARE program, which aims to improve the quality of life and reduce hospital re-admissions for socially disadvantaged patients in high-risk areas, $7,500
Coleman Professional Services, to support employment services for Summit County residents in recovery, $5,000
Community Legal Aid Services, to support the HEAL medical-legal partnership work in Summit County, helping families whose legal needs have adverse effects on their health, $31,000
CORE Furniture Bank, for operating support, like the transport and handling of donated furniture for families in need in Summit County, $10,000
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio, to pilot the In Our Community program in Summit County, to better address the needs of local families who have a child with Down Syndrome, $2,500
Embracing Futures, to provide orthodontic treatment for children in need, $5,000
Empowered Network, to help human trafficking survivors achieve fiscal independence and self-sufficiency, $7,000
Family Promise of Summit County, for the Survive to Thrive program, which provides homes for families facing homelessness, $15,000
Flying Horse Farms, to support programming costs for campers from Summit County, offering activities like a high ropes course, zip lines, fishing, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, and a “Campitheater,” for children who face severe medical conditions, $2,500
Forever Amber Acres Animal Sanctuary, to provide equine-assisted therapy to veterans, $2,500
Forever R Children, to provide children and families with essential resources, including mobile showers, toiletries, clothing, and household items, restoring health and dignity for those facing economic hardship and housing instability, $7,000
Freedom House for Women, to decrease the barriers of addiction and homelessness by providing substance abuse treatment, recovery housing and supportive services to women in Summit County, $8,000
Friends in Tents, to provide basic household items, funds for essentials or transportation to people who are at risk of returning to homelessness, $5,000
Girls On the Run Northeast Ohio, to support a physical activity-based youth development program for Summit County girls in high poverty neighborhoods with an interactive curriculum that promotes confidence, character and contribution, $9,750
Good Neighbors Inc., to provide the Good Neighbors Pantry with personal hygiene products, $5,500
Grace House Akron, to support caregiving, housing, and basic needs for unhoused individuals with a terminal illness, $8,500
Greenleaf Family Center, to support the PEERS (Parent Education, Empowerment, Resources, Support) program and strategic planning, $10,000
GriefCare Place, for support groups and other programs for residents grieving the loss of a loved one, $5,500
Guy’s and Gal’s Community Partnership, to support the Hoop for Coop adult and youth health and wellness initiatives, $10,000
Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, to support crisis intervention services for domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors in Summit County, $43,500
Hope Meadows Foundation, to provide equine-assisted counseling to residents in recovery from addiction alongside their peer support specialist, $5,000
Hope United, to support long-term recovery through non-clinical drop-in peer support and programs, $5,000
H.M. Life Opportunity Services, for in-shelter mental health therapy for residents transitioning out of homelessness and adults in low-income senior housing, $5,000
IBH Addiction Recovery, to provide safe, sober, affordable housing to people recovering from substance use disorder who are enrolled in an outpatient recovery program, $15,000
International Institute of Akron, to support an extended social services program for refugees and immigrants, $34,800
Jewish Family Service of Akron, to provide continued support for older adults and mental health services, $12,500
Jin Huo Community, Inc., for a support center for Summit County seniors, providing exercise, education, arts, cultural activities and health monitoring, $2,500
Kenmore Free Store, to purchase personal hygiene products and other infrequently donated items of need, such as underwear, towels and blankets, for free distribution to registered shoppers of the Kenmore Free Store, $3,000
Legacy III, Inc., to support housing stability through the Humble Beginnings program, $8,000
LINKS Community and Family Services, to support the LINKS Senior Connection Program, including meals, cognitive care, medical resources, and community activities, $12,500
Loads of Faith – a Laundry Love Ministry, to cover the cost of laundromat services for low/no income Summit County residents in Akron, $2,250
NAMI Summit County, to support the Reedy Housewarming Project, which provides basic household items for people with a serious mental illness who are transitioning to independent living, $7,500
NEOMED, to provide integrated health care services to Summit County residents who are uninsured or underinsured through its student-run free clinic, $12,500
North Coast Community Homes, to support the Akron/Summit County Residential Services Program, which provides home goods and skill development programs for individuals with disabilities, and severe and persistent mental illness, $3,000
Open Arms Adoptions, to support Summit County outreach for adopters of sibling groups and school-aged children, $6,000
OPEN M, to support free medical and dental services for uninsured residents of Greater Akron, $22,000
Pathway Caring for Children, to support Summit County foster children with clothing, shoes, toiletries and school supplies when they’re first placed in foster care, $2,500
Patricia Ann Cargill Charities, to provide nutritional health education and resources for Summit County residents with limited means, promoting long-term wellness and self-sustained improvement, $3,500
Pegasus Farm, to support the Military and First Responders Center’s equestrian program, $3,000
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, to ensure stable access to affordable contraception for Akron patients in need, $23,000
Portage Path Behavioral Health, to support the startup costs associated with a new integrated primary care clinic, $15,000
Positivity Spectrum, for a free legal clinic, which provides no-cost legal services to autism families, $2,500
Pregnancy Solutions & Services Inc., to support the Well Women program to help improve health outcomes for mothers and babies through educational classes, medical services and testing, $2,500
Prevent Blindness Ohio, for the Vision Care Outreach Program, which offers vision screenings and access to eye care for Summit County residents in need, $8,000
Project Outrun, to empower and strengthen kids and their families as they battle life-threatening illnesses with the help of custom shoes plus signature swag, $5,000
RAHAB Ministries, to support the Akron Drop-In Home for sex trafficking survivors, $21,000
Red Oak Behavioral Health, to provide social-emotional learning after-school programming in partnership with YMCA’s out-of-school-time programming, $12,500
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, to support Summit County families staying at the Ronald McDonald Akron House, $10,250
Second Chance Village, for peer support programming for trauma survivors facing and recovering from homelessness, $4,000
Shelter Care Inc., for the Street Outreach Services (SOS) Program, to help young adults in Summit County who are at-risk of or currently facing homelessness, $5,000
Stewart’s Caring Place, to increase capacity to serve the growing number of Akron area residents seeking cancer wellness and support services, $7,500
Summit County Domestic Relations Court, to support the production of trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate video resources for families navigating divorce or separation through the Children and Parents Empowered (CAPE) Program, $5,000
Summit County Fatherhood Initiative, to support free fatherhood classes and services through a community partnership, $15,750
Summit Mobile Fresh Market, to increase access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food for residents in Summit County neighborhoods identified as food deserts through mobile outreach and participation incentives, $2,500
United Disability Services, to support employment services like job exploration, skills assessment, interviewing and soft-skills training for Summit County residents with severe disabilities, $15,000
United Way of Summit & Medina, to support the 2-1-1 Information and Referral helpline for Summit County residents, $20,000
VANTAGE Aging, to support Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio, which provides nutritious, home-delivered meals and vital wellness checks to older adults in Summit County, $21,000
Victim Assistance Program, to assist individuals who have experienced crime or trauma through advocacy, education, and support, $22,500
Women Revived Ministries, to support the Total Life Wellness program, which provides mentorship, professional development and scholarships for organizational leaders, $5,000
