By Katie Sobiech

Youth with a Mission (YWAM) is an international ministry that began 52 years ago, but continues to spread worldwide, establishing itself in Akron in 2010 when leaders felt a call to bring it here.

YWAM covers many nations of the earth, including China, India and Australia, but is also planted in strategic places in the U.S.

The mission has 16,000 full-time workers all over the world, in hundreds of different countries.

“Our heart is to see people know God and then make God known,” Jennifer Patterson, Director of YWAM Akron, said.

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By Katie Sobiech

Crystal Jones, Co-Manager of the Akron Neighborhood Trust, knows first-hand the benefits of partnering with the Knight Foundation.

“I think the Knight Foundation is to be applauded for being dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting the development with emerging leadership within the community” Jones said.

The Knight Foundation focuses on encouraging and growing the best and brightest ideas in Akron, and catapulting people’s intelligent visions into realities.

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By Katie Sobiech

What does it take to come up with a fresh, inspiring idea that changes a city for the better? And once the idea blooms in the mind, how does one bring it to fruition? For those who stay awake at night thinking of how they can make change – the dreamers, thinkers and entrepreneurial minds – the Knight Foundation may be the key that unlocks the door to your bright idea.

The Knight Foundation, a somewhat hidden gem, is a national foundation with local roots. It encourages out-of-the-box, innovative, creative, interactive ideas, and supports chosen “masterminds” with grants to turn their dreams into a reality. The key is that they be transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities, and foster the arts.

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