Re-entry

True North Ministry Grows, Partners with Local YMCA – 2013-05-13

True North Landscaping

By Katie Sobiech

True North Ministry is expanding its reach beyond the juvenile facilities of our community. Since we last did an article about the ministry, they have made several changes, including: career readiness programs, a landscaping company, and a partnership with YMCA.

Executive Director Becky Retzer started the ministry in 2002 when she saw a tremendous need in the juvenile penal system. From those humble beginnings, the organization is now sitting on 28 acres of beautiful farm property, utilizing 200 volunteers, and running programs in six different Ohio prison facilities.

“Our mission is to liberate imprisoned youth in the State of Ohio. We see liberation as the complete transformation of the mind, body, soul, and spirit,” said Nate Slaughter, Communications Specialist.

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October 29, 2013
Health

Akron Pregnancy Services: Miracles and New Hope Every Day – 2013-05-05

APS Logo

By Katie Sobiech

“We see miracles every day in the people that God brings in for us to talk to,” Kaye Gauder, Executive Director of Akron Pregnancy Services (APS), said.

“In our classes, when people have that ‘aha’ moment, and begin to really see what’s going on in their lives and want to make a change, there’s nothing bigger than that to me,” she continued.

APS, a Christian, non-profit, non-political, social service agency, is designed to help women facing unplanned pregnancy. Their doors are open to women from their initial pregnancy testing appointment, throughout the pregnancy with classes; and continues with mentoring and support after childbirth.

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October 29, 2013
Education

Summit Education Initiative Introduces Innovative Ideas to Keep Kids on Track (Part 3) – 2013-05-03

Summit Education Initiative

By Katie Sobiech

The Summit Education Initiative (SEI) hopes to reach kids in school, and outside of the school building, through teachers, after-school activity leaders, and parents.

Over the past year they have begun building a firm foundation by reaching out to form relationships with local schools.

“We’re most proud that we’ve been able to engage almost every school district in the county and lots of non-public schools. Our goal is (to reach) all the kids in the county. We don’t really care where they go to school. Our charge is to work with the schools who are working with the kids, regardless of where they go,” Derran Wimer, Executive Director at SEI, said.

Though it’s a slow build, it’s a process that will be worth it as it gains momentum.

And this is at no cost to the schools.

“Which leaves people astonished,” Wimer said.

“We’re getting more and more schools engaged as we move forward,” he continued.

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October 29, 2013