Missional Allies
Looking for a place to be on mission?We work alongside a number of great groups, organizations, and businesses that seek to build up the Kingdom of God. Some of them have been innovated within our community, some of them have started separately from our community.
Jesus spoke much about building the Kingdom of God in Matthew 13:1-52. We want to partner with individuals who live out their faith by their words and actions (Col. 3:17), serving alongside them by the power and inspiration of the gospel to make our neighborhoods, streets, city and world a better place.
First Glance
First Glance is a youth center that operates in the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron. Kenmore and Greater Akron is their home, their family & their community. For over 20 years, they’ve hosted a wide variety of programming for students of all ages. They offer teenagers and young adults a safe place where they are loved, valued and ultimately, through Christ, are provided with hope. They have seen over 9,800 different students come through their doors and leave as a part of their family, empowered to reach their potential & become who they were created to be.
BETTER KENMORE CDC
Founded in 1901, Kenmore was once known as “America’s fastest growing city,” a self-sufficient village made up of factory workers and families. Now, Kenmore boasts multiple recording studios, guitar luthiers, music and hobby shops, and countless artisans and musicians who embody this creative, expressive, hands-on community.
At the heart of Kenmore is the Boulevard District, which is anchored by the newly renovated Rialto Theatre, Lay’s Guitar Shop, and mainstay retailers like the Guitar Department, Kenmore Komics & Games, and E&S Trains and Hobby Shop.
We are candid in Kenmore. What you see is what you get. But we’re also helpful and kind: equal parts passion and compassion.
Everyone is welcome in Kenmore, so we invite you to be yourself here. Then, watch as Kenmore becomes part of you.
First Glance / Akron Dream Center Hip Hop
First Glance & Akron Dream Center have partnered to cultivate a gathering of hip hop artists of all ages: beat makers, lyric writers, singers, rappers, and musicians who record original music, have cyphers (freestyle hip hop sessions), and put on regular performances. Do you make beats? Write lyrics? Sing? Rap? Play music? Make original music? Freestyle? Put on concerts? Or do you just want to be around people that do? Jump in and be a part of cultivating the hip hop artists of tomorrow!
Just a Dad From Akron
Four years ago— Kenny Lambert was homeless, and addicted to drugs & alcohol. The birth of his daughter, Amelia, became the catalyst for his own self-growth. He’s now many years sober, and the owner of Just A Dad From Akron. He grew up in the Akron/Kenmore neighborhood and felt driven to inspire change in the community. In March 2020, He made the decision to launch Just A Dad From Akron. It would be more than just a brand. He thought to himself, “This is a movement.” A Movement built to inspire anyone in the community who would listen, to “Be the change Akron needs”.
Just A Dad From Akron sells apparel printed with branding and positive messages to empower the wearer. From there, they use a portion of the proceeds to host free events and offer relief to the community through different outreach programs. Their goal is to continue providing service to the community in hopes to promote change, positivity and inspiration.
Urban Vision
Urban Vision is empowering the diverse neighborhood of North Hill’s Children and Families to reach their highest potentials!
And Campaign
And Campaign exists to educate and organize Christians for civic and cultural engagement that results in better representation, more just and compassionate policies and a healthier political culture.
And Campaign has a Chapter in Akron!
Love Akron
Love Akron is making a collective impact through unifying the colors, cultures, and congregations of Greater Akron to see it thrive. We as a Church partner with the “One City” Initiative to expand the Kingdom into greater Akron.
Srina Tea House & Cafe
SRINA® is more than just tea – it is a socially responsible business that promotes economic development for the farmers and inspires healthy living among tea drinkers. Through the sale of organic tea, what began with 18 farmers and tea cultivators has grown into a dedicated team of women and men who have improved the lives of both producers and consumers alike. SRINA is located at 975 Kenmore Blvd. Akron and is a hub for social connection in our neighborhood where folks can get together, drink great coffee and tea, and eat amazing high-quality food!
Ethicrace Clothing Co.
Ethicrace’s goal as a company is to give everyone in the world clothing, and help spread prosperity and generosity throughout the world. The name ETHICRACE comes from the idea of us as people all being equal as well paired with the action of treating people fairly and equally. The word Ethic is derived from the Greek word “ethos.” As an adjective, the word Ethic means “pertaining to morals”. The term “race” refers to the categorization of humans into populations or ancestral groups on the basis of various sets of heritable characteristics. ETHICRACE CLOTHING COMPANY by SHOMARI was created in Akron, OH. and is a Kenmore neighborhood business located at 971 Kenmore Blvd. They sell clothing of the highest quality and style!
JOBS (Jump on Board for Success)
Jump On Board for Success (JOBS) was founded in 2014 as a licensed, 501c3 organization. We aid at risk mothers and women (aged 13-35) in Northeast Ohio, with a focus on low-income teens and young adults at risk for generational poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, unplanned pregnancies, etc. Our goal is to improve their professional proficiency in areas such as culinary, information technology, business administration, and entrepreneurship, as well as building their parenting skills through education, training and mentoring in order to become self-sustaining. This will allow them to financially support their families, provide a healthier environment for their children and a greater chance at obtaining stable health insurance.
