United Way of Summit & Medina is changing the way our community tackles complex challenges. We seek out the root cause of each barrier and cultivate connections that make an overwhelming system easier to navigate. As we discover why people are struggling, we can walk alongside them, ensuring they get the help they need.
Our Bold Goals and community services help us meet the most pressing needs of our community. It is only through the many people who donate to United Way and spend their time volunteering with United Way that we can make a difference in our community!
Our Bold Goals
At United Way of Summit & Medina, our Bold Goals are the focus of our work. They keep our eyes on what matters most and drive how we use our resources. We set the following goals after researching and witnessing the common barriers our community members face. In partnership with our community support, we hope to see these goals accomplished by 2028!
Ready For Success
Our first Bold Goal focuses on preparing our youngest community members for success. By 2028, we want to see 65% of Akron Public School third graders at or above a third-grade reading level. This bold goal gets students on the right track early in their educational careers, setting them up to be productive community members. To reach this goal, we host programs that support Akron students’ literacy, such as our Family Resource Centers and the Imagination Library.
Youth Success
Bold Goal number 2 addresses career readiness in two ways. First, regarding College and Career Readiness, we aim to see 90% of APS high schoolers graduating in 4 years, with 60% being college or career-ready. One way we are working to achieve this goal is by working with the College & Career Academies of Akron, an organization that provides hands-on learning experiences for students and strengthens the education-to-employment pipeline.
Second, when considering Youth Opportunities and Success, we strive to see 60% of Akron youth employed or active in extracurriculars. This bold goal keeps our graduation rate up and ensures students are productive with their free time. One way we ensure Akron youth stay in positive environments is through Youth United, a youth leadership program that helps students build connections throughout the community.
Financial Empowerment
Our third Bold Goal is to financially empower 11,000 people in Summit County and 2,500 people in Medina County. To see these goals accomplished, we connect residents with the following services:
- Akron Financial Empowerment Center – An organization that helps Summit and Medina County residents build financial stability by giving them the resources to budget and save, pay down debt and boost their credit scores.
- Bank On Rubber City – A coalition led by United Way of Summit & Medina and the City of Akron that helps residents access safe and affordable banking products and services.
- Volunteer Tax Preparation Assistance – Volunteer tax preparers prepare federal and state tax returns at no cost for households with an income of less than $64,000.
These agencies serve low- to moderate-income individuals, helping them move toward financial empowerment and stability. By taking advantage of these services, individuals can change the path of an entire community’s financial future, ensuring future generations are set up for continued success.
Health Equity
Our final Bold Goal focuses on health equity. By 2028, we want to see the Black infant mortality rate in Summit County reduced to 6 per 1,000 live births. This objective is all about leveling the playing field for Black pregnant women in our community. United Way provides women with case management services, housing stabilization services and more. Additionally, mothers always have access to our 211 phone line, a resource that connects residents with services when they are in immediate need.
Ways You Can Support United Way
Improve lives and create lasting change by supporting United Way of Summit & Medina. We will only achieve our Bold Goals by 2028 with the help of our community. Begin your relationship of support with United Way by volunteering your time, donating financially, or using your voice to advocate!
Volunteer
Create life-changing moments by volunteering with United Way. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the Bridges Workshop, College & Career Academies of Akron, Family Resource Centers and more. We greatly appreciate all who give their time and talent to power our mission. If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out our form and a member of our team will be in touch about the United Way volunteer program.
Donate
Donate to United Way to make a difference in your community. For every dollar our donors give, we generate a 13 to 1 return on investment. And we’re working to push that number even higher as we deliver real, measurable results on our Bold Goals. Through our direct service programs, we are creating positive changes in the lives of real people.
Advocate
United Way of Summit & Medina advocates at the local, state and national levels for policies that advance our Bold Goals and support the basic needs of our community. There are many ways to join us in advocating for the needs of our communities. Two simple ways to become involved are ensuring you’re registered to vote and knowing who your elected officials are. Make your voice heard!
Events and Fundraisers
Keep an eye out for events and fundraisers that we host throughout the year. We stay active in both Summit and Medina County and would love to meet you soon! Explore our full list of events and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.
Get Involved with United Way Today
Ready to be in, with, and for the community? Join United Way of Summit & Medina in creating a system that empowers people to achieve lasting success through education, financial stability and healthy lives. You can support our Bold Goals by donating, volunteering, and advocating!