exegeting Greater Akron
We don't begin by asking, "What should we do?" We begin by asking, "Who is our neighbor, and what is their lived reality?" Exegeting our city helps us see Greater Akron more clearly so our response is shaped by understanding rather than assumption.
One organization cannot solve every challenge facing our city. We believe healthy communities create healthy cities. Our role is to cultivate healthy "islands"—places where people belong, heal, lead, and flourish. As those islands grow and connect, they begin to reshape the landscape of Greater Akron.
why we listen?
Before we can respond well, we must first understand well. Exegeting our city means paying attention to the stories, data, relationships, and experiences that reveal the realities of life in Greater Akron. Rather than assuming what our community needs, we listen with humility so our response is rooted in truth.
needs & opportunities
No single page can capture everything happening across Greater Akron. These eight community realities emerged consistently through conversations with leaders, residents, research, and local data. They represent some of the most significant opportunities for the Church, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to work together toward lasting change.
Economic Stability
Income, hardship, food access, and financial security
Mental Health & Addiction
Well-being, recovery, grief, trauma and care
Education & Youth
Belonging, attendance, leadership and oppurtunity
Economic Stability
Unequal outcomes, access, trust, and connection
Housing Stability
Affordability, stability, homelessness and dignity
Public Safety
Violence, trust, prevention and connected neighborhoods
Workforce
Employment, readiness, opportunity and mobility
Access to Care
Transportation, services, navigation and connection
community prayers
John 17:21 (ESV)
“that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. “
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands”