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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.

Education and Youth.jfif

Education & Youth
 

Belonging, attendance, leadership and oppurtunity

Holding Hands Together

Foster care

Orphans, Children, and Famalies

Housing Stability.jfif

Housing &
Homelessness

Affordability, stability, homelessness and dignity

Pedestrian Crosswalk View

Public Safety &
Violence

Violence, trust, prevention and connected neighborhoods

Business Team Meeting

Unemployment &
Workforce Barriers

Employment, readiness, opportunity and mobility

Access to Care.jfif

Access to Care & Transportaion

Transportation, services, navigation and connection

Economic Stability.jfif

Economic Stability
 

Income, hardship, food access, and financial security

MH and Addiction.jfif

Mental Health & Addiction

Well-being, recovery, grief, trauma and care

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