Creating Equity and Change in Our Diverse Community

We build a better future for our community by building it together.

United Way of Summit & Medina is Committed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We cannot build a better future for our community unless we build it together.

United Way has worked for decades to create an environment that welcomes all cultures and backgrounds — all walks of life and ways of thinking. We spark conversations and forge connections that embrace every voice and point of view. We commit to building and sustaining a workplace that represents our community in all its richness and diversity. We fight systemic inequity and injustice through advocacy, through education and by mobilizing the caring power of our community to make neighborhoods and families stronger.

No matter who you are, we want your voice to be heard. We want to help you make a difference.

Facts About the Community We Serve

34 percent of Summit County households, and 26 percent of Medina County households earn less than Ohio’s basic cost of living. These residents face persistent barriers to stability – such as lack of access to transportation, affordable housing or food. Yet the health and future of our community depend on their success.

Our programs directly serve people of every age and every walk of life.

40% Of Akron Public Schools third graders were reading at or above grade level in 2021-2022.

82% Of Akron Public Schools high schoolers graduated in 4 years with only 40% college/career ready in 2022.

46% Of Akron youth were employed or active in extracurriculars in 2019.

42,000 people in Akron earned less than Ohio’s cost of living.

9,000 people in Medina earn less than Ohio’s cost of living.

Summit County Black infant mortality rate in 2020 was 10.2 per 1,000 live births.

Responding to Our Community’s Needs

In 2022, there were more than 179,000 requests for assistance through our 211 help line by residents of Summit & Medina Counties. The graphs below show the top requests we received from real people in our community.

Top requests in Summit County

Top requests in Medina County

Help Us Meet the Needs of Our Community.

DE&I Workshops and Trainings

Diversity, equity and inclusion are the backbone of our organization because we know that leading with an equity-lens and inclusive culture positively impacts lives. Whether you are an individual seeking to broaden your cultural understanding or an organization that is committed to new opportunities for your workforce, our DE&I workshops and trainings are open to anyone in the community.

Bridges Summit County

Learn how the economic realities of poverty, class and wealth impact individuals and communities. We also show how you can promote economic opportunity and economic mobility.

Implicit Bias Awareness Workshop

Have you ever said or done something that caused offense to someone – but didn’t realize it until later? Learn how our unconscious brain impacts our behavior and interaction with others in this workshop for organizations.

Intercultural Development Inventory

Different worldviews shape how we cooperate – or conflict – with each other. Sensitivities to differences make or break your teams’ success. This resource can improve your development to bridge cultural differences and strengthen relationships.

Coming Soon to Our Community

Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza

Expected to be completed in 2023, the plaza will honor abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth. Truth delivered her historic speech, now known as “Ain’t I a Woman?” on May 29, 1851, at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron. The courtyard will showcase community space that educates the public on Truth and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Tools

Join the effort to achieve a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. These resources will get you started on your journey to become a DE&I advocate.

Glossary of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Terms

PDF Download

Book, Documentary & Podcast Resources

Article

In our community. With our community. For our community.

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Your donation directly benefits the people of Summit and Medina counties.