United Way Services & Their Impact
United Way of Summit & Medina is changing the way our community tackles complex challenges. We seek out root causes and build connections that make an overwhelming system easier to navigate. We’re working to create a system that empowers people to achieve lasting success through education, financial stability, and healthy lives.
Problems rarely come one at a time, so solutions shouldn’t either. A better future for our community begins with placing people at the center, connecting them with ongoing, personalized care that addresses the many challenges they may face.
Our direct services range from financial empowerment and housing assistance to Family Resource Centers located in local school buildings. Each service is staffed by reliable team members that are dedicated to seeing residents live out their very own success stories.
211 Success Story
211 helps people throughout our community find local resources when they don’t know where to turn for help. United Way offers this free, confidential service 24/7, connecting residents with information for supplemental food and nutrition programs, prenatal care, mental health services, and more. 211 is for people of all ages and all walks of life, including youth and families, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
There are three ways you can access 211 support services:
- Dial 2-1-1 and chat with a call specialist.
- Text your zip code to 898-211 for assistance via text.
- Search our online directory of services.
Meet Albert
When Albert returned home after spending three months in jail, he found that his home had been broken into and burglarized. Without any money of his own and no family support, he wasn’t sure what to do. Some old friends were able to help, but it wasn’t enough to pay his bills. Eventually, his water service was turned off.
Albert was ready to give up and throw his house away. But instead, he followed a friend’s advice and called 211. Alexis, a call specialist with United Way of Summit & Medina, answered the phone and listened to his story. Drawing from a database of more than 100,000 programs and resources, Alexis was able to direct him to programs that met his specific needs. She even contacted the city on behalf of Albert and had his water service restored.
Albert is an excellent example of a 211 Summit County success story. Thanks to the connections he made on his phone call, Albert was able to keep him home and make steps towards financial stability. If you are looking for support, don’t hesitate to call 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or search our online directory.
Family Resource Center Success Story
Family Resource Centers offer safe, welcoming places within schools that connect parents and caregivers to information and referrals to community resources, including basic needs support, health and wellness programs, financial coaching, and more. Students are also welcome in our FRCs if they ever need help during the school week.
United Way of Summit & Medina’s Family Resource Centers are located in the following schools:
- Helen Arnold CLC
- McEbright CLC
- North High School
- David Hill CLC
- Hyre CLC
Find more information about our Family Resource Centers today.
Meet TwaNysha
When TwaNysha signed her twin boys up for kindergarten in 2019, one of the stops on the school tour was at United Way of Summit & Medina’s Family Resource Center (FRC). During this first visit, TwaNysha met ShaQeria Hunter, United Way’s family resource coordinator for Robinson CLC. ShaQeria gave her information on resources like Imagination Library, family games nights, food boxes, and more.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, ShaQeria kept in contact over the phone, through text and email. She continued to set TwaNysha’s family up with food boxes, connected her to the Summit County Cares program to receive help with utility bills, and made sure TwaNysha had access to the proper pregnancy care. She even walked to her house in the winter to deliver food boxes.
“I want every family to know that the FRCs are there. It gives the children somewhere to go during the school day if they ever need something. And the families know it’s there too.” Her wish is that someday there will be a FRC in every neighborhood. “I think it will help the community tremendously,” she says.
TwaNysha’s story proves that utilizing FRCs can help you work towards your own success story. Don’t shy away from getting involved – our FRC teams are here to help support your family’s needs!
Housing Services Success Story
At United Way of Summit & Medina, we strongly believe that housing is a basic need. Our Housing Services team coordinates access to homeless shelters, permanent supportive housing and rent assistance for individuals and families living in Summit or Medina counties who are experiencing homelessness or facing eviction. Case managers provide personalized service and connections to helpful resources, working with each client to address their individual needs.
If you need assistance, you can browse housing rentals (Summit County), find social services, or call 211.
Meet Jenise
Seeking a fresh start while focusing on her sobriety, Jenise moved to Akron. Upon arrival in a new city, she struggled to find housing and resorted to sleeping in her car. Eventually, she visited a nearby shelter, the Haven of Rest.
While she was there, they connected her with United Way. Jenise was assigned to a case manager, Crystal, who helped find her a stable apartment. She continues to offer support while Jenise finds lasting stability in Akron.
Jenise is in her fifties doing hard labor, so it takes a toll on her body and her mind, but because of support from Crystal and United Way, Jenise is able to find safety and security at home. It is impact stories like Crystal’s that reminds our Housing Services team why they do what they do.
If you are facing a housing crisis, please do not face it alone. United Way of Summit & Medina’s Housing Services are ready and willing to provide assistance.
Imagination Library Success Story
Each month, Imagination Library sends a brand new, age-appropriate book to every child enrolled – free of charge! With the arrival of the first book, the classic The Little Engine That Could, children begin to experience the joy of finding their very own book in their mailboxes. These moments continue each month until the child turns five, with children receiving the book Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come in the very last month of the program.
All children ages birth to five in Summit and Medina counties are eligible to receive free books. Register your child for Imagination Library today.
Meet The Thompson Family
Four-year-old Elon Thompson looks forward to receiving his Imagination Library books every month. He is one of more than 20,000 children in Summit and Medina counties that receives one free book every month from United Way’s Imagination Library program. Recently, the program celebrated its 1 millionth book delivered to local kids.
Elon’s parents read him his books at bedtime and before every nap. Studies show reading to children helps stimulate their imaginations, contributes to language development, and helps to encourage early literacy. As Elon has grown, his Imagination Library books have grown with him! The first books he received were mostly just pictures and now they have more and more words for him to read and learn.
By helping children develop an early love of reading, Imagination Library is advancing United Way of Summit & Medina’s Bold Goal 1 – to boost third-grade reading proficiency among Akron Public Schools students to 65 percent. Think of all the United Way success stories that are growing up with a shelf full of books thanks to Imagination Library!
Youth United Success Story
In a typical year, school-aged kids spend an average of 80 percent of their waking hours outside of the classroom. How they spend this time away from school has a tremendous impact on the way students see themselves, build healthy relationships, and find their place in the world.
Youth United is a positive youth development and leadership program which helps students build connections throughout the community. It puts young people in touch with trusted adults – trained Success Coaches – who can provide guidance and inspiration, helping kids stay on track for high school graduation, prepare for college and/or a career, and take advantage of expanded enrichment and professional networking opportunities.
Learn more about the opportunities and success stories from Youth United today.
Meet Harold
Youth United was created in partnership with the HV3 Foundation. The brainchild of Akron native professional golfer Harold Varner III, HV3 works to provide affordable access to youth sports and mentorship. When asked about his involvement, Harold shared:
“Growing up, I never imagined that I’d have someone in my life who truly cared about me besides my parents. But I was lucky enough to meet people who believed in me and made a difference in my life. That’s why it’s so important for me to use my influence as a professional golfer to give back to kids in my hometown of Akron. Having an influence on these kids is something that can last a lifetime.”
Thank you to Harold and all of our Youth United volunteers for your sincere dedication to the youth of Akron!
Support United Way’s Mission
Our services meet the needs of residents in Summit and Medina and improve their lives. Become a part of the solution and support our services by donating to United Way today. We are proud to be more than a pass-through organization – every dollar given to United Way of Summit & Medina goes directly to our work in the community. Every donation makes a difference!