Julie and Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship

Julie and Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship

Bright Beginnings in Barberton

Announcing the Julie and Jayson Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship Fund

Barberton Community Foundation is proud to announce the Julie & Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship Fund, a first‑of‑its‑kind resource that removes financial barriers to high‑quality preschool for Barberton families.

Created by Barberton High School alumnus Jayson Humble (’98) and his wife, Julie, the scholarship reflects the couple’s conviction that every child deserves a strong educational start. Jayson serves as Vice President of Engineering, Marketing, and Sales at Alpha Technologies, while Julie teaches AP Psychology and Government at Twinsburg High School.

“The chance to learn in a nurturing preschool changed the trajectory of my own life,” Jayson said. “We want Barberton kids to have that same opportunity—no matter their family’s income.”

Why Bright Beginnings Matter

State assessments show that only 22.8 percent of Barberton children enter kindergarten demonstrating readiness. Many families are priced out of preschool or contend with long waitlists and part‑day programs that don’t align with work schedules. Children often transition to kindergarten from more than 20 different daycare and childcare settings in the  Barberton area, leaving many without consistent exposure to curriculum-based structured early learning.

Data show when Barberton children do gain access to high‑quality preschool, they outperform their peers, proving that the right start makes a big difference. By covering tuition and required fees, the Humble Bright Beginnings Scholarship closes the affordability gap and delivers the early‑learning experiences proven to boost confidence, curiosity, and K-12 academic performance.

“Early childhood education is one of the hidden or overlooked opportunities when it comes to helping kids and building community,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “The Humbles’ generosity creates a gift that will initially make a difference for one student, but overtime, its impact will grow.  

“Their decision to invest in early childhood ensures every Barberton child can write a similar success story—one that begins with promise and potential,” Gordon added. “The Foundation is delighted to be their partner in impacting so many lives, starting now.”

About the Humble Family & Their Vision

Julie and Jayson Humble know what it means to persevere and to pave a new path forward. Their lives—rooted in education, grit, and a shared belief in the power of early support—reflect the very spirit behind their scholarship.

Jayson Humble, a 1998 Barberton High School graduate, grew up in a large household where financial resources were scarce. His early work experiences shaped who he became—and taught him the value of grit, hard work, and opportunity. Today, he’s a successful leader in business, working as the Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Alpha Technologies.

While establishing the scholarship, Humble said, “The people who’ve had a little luck owe it to give back. That’s why we’re taking this first step and starting a fund at Barberton Community Foundation. They’re providing the structure, the vehicle to achieve our goal.”

Julie Humble, a Hudson native, was raised in a home that championed early childhood education. Her mother, Linda Sucheski, founded a preschool in 1979, instilling in Julie a lifelong appreciation for the importance of the early years. Today, Julie teaches AP Psychology, Sociology, and Government at Twinsburg High School, and together she and Jayson are raising two daughters, Claire and Adeline. Their shared values around education, opportunity, and early learning became the foundation for their decision to give back.

Together, the Humbles envision a future where every Barberton child arrives in kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. Their immediate goal is to erase cost as a barrier to quality preschool for one child. Long‑term, they hope the fund will inspire other donors, grow into a community‑wide early‑learning resource, and lift Barberton’s readiness rate well beyond 22 percent.

“This isn’t just tuition assistance,” Julie Humble explained. “It’s an investment in Barberton’s future leaders, innovators, and neighbors. When we lift up our youngest learners, the entire community rises with them.”

How to Apply

The Julie & Jayson Humble Bright Beginnings Endowed Scholarship application opens July 31, 2025 and remains open through the month of August. Interested applicants are encouraged to read the FAQ before applying. Families can complete the online form at barbertoncf.org/goapply.

 For assistance, please call 330-745-5995, or visit the Foundation’s office at 460 W. Paige Ave. Barberton, OH 44203.

Two New Restaurants Awarded Grants to Boost Downtown Barberton

Two New Restaurants Awarded Grants to Boost Downtown Barberton

Two New Restaurants Awarded Grants to Boost Downtown Barberton

Barberton Community Foundation is proud to announce $61,000 in new grant awards to support two restaurant and retail projects through the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP). This newest round of funding marks continued momentum in the Foundation’s efforts to bring new life to downtown buildings by supporting business owners committed to revitalization.

Each project will receive a $30,500 matching, reimbursement-based grant to support renovations and build-outs that will activate currently vacant spaces. The funding supports structural and design improvements critical to transforming these buildings into vibrant destinations in downtown Barberton.

Meet the Newest Recipients

Casa De Amigos – A sister company to Old 97 Cafe
Location: 572 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

This grant will support a new roof installation—a necessary first step in bringing the building back to life. The owners plan to convert the first floor into a welcoming retail space that contributes to the broader vision for downtown revitalization.

“We love the unique history, pride, and sense of community that define downtown Barberton,” said the family. “This grant is a key piece of the puzzle that allows us to move forward. We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation for investing in the community’s vision.”

La Mia Cucina
Owned by Curtis and Andrea Fox
Location: 161 & 163 2nd Street NW

La Mia Cucina is a new, authentic Italian restaurant slated to bring handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and warm hospitality to the heart of the city. The funding will support early-phase buildout costs, including architectural plans, demolition, and interior preparation for the restaurant’s launch.

“This grant isn’t just a financial investment—it’s a vote of confidence in our dream,” said Curtis and Andrea Fox. “We’re honored to be part of Barberton’s downtown revitalization and are excited to provide a new dining experience to the community.”

Building on Success

These awards build on the Foundation’s April announcement of $230,000 in funding to three downtown businesses. The DRP and its companion program, the Restaurant & Retail Challenge, are designed to attract investment and bring renewed energy to the city’s historic core. Funding is administered by Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), in collaboration with Main Street Barberton and the City of Barberton.

“It’s exciting to see more new businesses putting down roots in our historic downtown,” said Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director of Main Street Barberton. “Every new project brings new energy, and we’re seeing a real wave of growth and confidence in what downtown Barberton can be. This is the kind of momentum we’ve been working toward—and it’s only the beginning.”

“Every project we support is part of a bigger picture,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “We’re investing in people, places, and partnerships that move our community forward. We’re excited to welcome these new businesses downtown.”

What’s Next

All projects are expected to begin construction this summer, with additional announcements anticipated later this year. For questions about DRP or upcoming funding opportunities, contact Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director, Main Street Barberton, at (330) 510-1335 or melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com.

Barberton Community Foundation Issues Request for Proposal for Investment Consultant Services

Barberton Community Foundation Issues Request for Proposal for Investment Consultant Services

Comprehensive Review Process Reflects Foundation’s Commitment to Excellence and Strategic Growth

[Barberton, June 2, 2025] – Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) has announced the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select an investment consultant to advise on the Foundation’s investment portfolio. This process underscores BCF’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and investment excellence.

The decision to conduct this RFP reflects several key factors that position the Foundation for continued success. It has been five years since the Foundation’s last consultant selection process, making this review both timely and prudent under established best practices for institutional investment management. Additionally, the Foundation’s leadership team has evolved, bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision that warrant a thorough evaluation of consultant partnerships.

“This RFP process represents a natural progression in our commitment to excellence,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director at the Foundation. “Our leadership team is focused on ensuring that every aspect of our investing aligns with our mission and serves the Foundation’s best interests now and into the future.”

The consultant selection process will run parallel with the development of BCF’s new strategic plan, ensuring that the chosen firm is well-positioned to support the Foundation’s goals.

The Foundation’s approach emphasizes thorough research and evaluation, transparency, and alignment with organizational values and long-term objectives. Proposals will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including investment philosophy, analytical capabilities, service delivery, performance, and cultural fit with BCF’s mission.

“We view this process as an opportunity to strengthen our investment portfolio and ensure we have the right partnership in place to navigate today’s complex market environment,” added Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance. “Our stakeholders can be confident that this review reflects our proactive approach to governance and our unwavering focus on achieving superior long-term results.”

The RFP process is expected to conclude in late 2025, with the selected firm beginning shortly thereafter. The Foundation team has a transition plan to ensure continuity of portfolio management throughout the transition.

2024 The Year of Pathways

2024 The Year of Pathways

2024 The Year of Pathways – Read our 2024 Annual Report

Like Barberton Community Foundation, pathways are connectors. They bridge past progress with future possibilities. In 2024, we created new pathways forward—welcoming new leadership, supporting students with scholarships, and investing in the projects and partnerships that move our community ahead.

Pathways to Learning 

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We launched initiatives like the Polymer Pathway with $125,000 in matching funds, providing the first preK-12 public school polymer education pathway tied to a federal tech hub. 

Pathways to Leadership 

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In 2024, we welcomed new leadership with Executive Director Josh Gordon and added key staff members Melissa Naglic, Office Manager, and Gil Gonzales, Director of Special Projects. 

Pathways to Opportunity

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We awarded $318,024 in scholarships to Barberton students through 119 awards, including 84 new scholarships—with a total commitment of nearly $482,000. Since our founding, we’ve given over $5.2 million in scholarships!

Pathways to Growth

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Our investments supported local businesses and city improvements through more than $495,000 in economic and community development initiatives this year alone. Since 2022, we’ve committed over $1.43 million to development efforts.

Pathways to Connection

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Through 80 grants totaling $588,985 and support for 117 funds, we connected donors to meaningful causes—fueling projects in education, arts, revitalization, and more. Generous donors contributed $724,267 to make it all possible.

Make a lasting impact—donate to our endowment today!

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Your gift helps grow the Foundation’s mission and ensures we can continue supporting the Barberton community for generations to come.

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $100,000 in Grants, Prioritizing Early Learning Support

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $100,000 in Grants, Prioritizing Early Learning Support

BARBERTON, OH -– On May 15, 2025, the Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors approved $100,000 in grant funding through its Education, Workforce, and Economic Development Grant Cycle, with more than half of the awarded funds—$55,000—dedicated to supporting Barberton’s youngest learners, ages birth to 5.

This funding aligns with the Foundation’s emerging strategic priority around early childhood education, one of three focus areas currently being explored through its strategic planning process.

The data is compelling: in 2023, just over 22% of Barberton students were identified as “demonstrating readiness” for kindergarten according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s required Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). Students who start behind in their proficiency often remain behind throughout their academic careers, scoring lower in 3rd grade reading, 5th grade science, and other important education milestones. The Foundation’s funding strategy aims to interrupt that cycle by supporting high-impact programs for children before they even enter kindergarten.

Executive Director Josh Gordon shared additional context for this early learning investment: “If we want to help our students succeed, we must provide more support as early as possible,” Gordon said. “Imagine what’s possible if our youngest learners began school already equipped with the skills they need?” “We celebrate our school district’s ability to close substantial learning gaps for our students. We also know that if our students arrive on day one of kindergarten with the skills they need to excel, they will start ahead of the curve – and be able to stay ahead!”

Grants supporting ages birth to 5:

  • $25,000 to Early Childhood Resource Center – SPARK Program
    SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) is a no-cost, in-home kindergarten readiness program that assigns a trained “parent partner” to each participating family. These child development professionals conduct monthly learning sessions with parents and children, focused on literacy, math, social-emotional development, and school readiness. Each visit includes a take-home SPARK kit with books and activities to extend learning.
    SPARK has served more than 20,000 Ohio children and is backed by 19 years of data showing statistically significant gains on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Barberton’s grant will fully fund 10 children and their families through August 2026.
  • $20,000 to Child Guidance & Family Solutions – TAPS Program
    TAPS (Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding) offers in-classroom support for early childhood educators to help reduce suspensions and expulsions from preschool settings. Through on-site modeling, coaching, and professional development, TAPS helps teachers manage challenging behaviors while promoting emotional resilience, stability for the
    student, and overall classroom success. The program engages the entire family, further strengthening school readiness outcomes for young children.
  • $10,000 to Summit Education Initiative – Barberton Preschool Collaborative
    This new collaborative will bring together Barberton’s preschool providers—many of whom currently operate in isolation—to align instruction, pool data, and offer joint professional development while discussing other potential support. The goal is to create a unified system that better prepares preschoolers for kindergarten by increasing consistency and quality across programs. The initiative aims to support the nearly 1,000 preschool-aged children in Barberton, many of whom currently enter school without meeting basic readiness benchmarks.

Additional Youth Development Grants:

  • $10,000 to National Inventors Hall of Fame – Camp Invention 2025
    Now in its 15th year in Barberton, Camp Invention brings hands-on STEM learning to students in grades K–6 through fun, high-energy summer programming led by local teachers. The Foundation’s grant will fund full or partial scholarships for up to 55 students, ensuring continued access despite the loss of state-level funding that previously supported the program. Barberton’s Camp is also slated to serve as a Vanguard site, piloting the 2026 curriculum ahead of national rollout.
  • $20,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio – Afterschool Program
    This funding supports free, high-quality out of school time (OST) programming for 80 under-resourced K–5 Barberton students through the end of 2025. Focused on three pillars—academic success, health & wellness, and character & leadership—the program offers reading tutoring, math tutoring, STEM activities, literacy support, healthy meals, fitness, mental wellness, and community service opportunities, helping students stay safe, supported, and engaged after school.
  • $15,000 to Limitless Ambition – Purposely Chosen Teen Program
    Serving up to 50 girls ages 11–18 in Barberton City School District during the 2025–26 school year, this program empowers young women through mentorship and social- emotional learning (also known as emotional literacy). Facilitated by women who have overcome adversity themselves, the program equips participants with leadership skills, resilience, and confidence. Executive Director Alicia Robinson describes the program in this way:
    “Few other populations face so many hurdles while holding so much promise within them. And no other organization brings Social-Emotional Learning Theory to life in such an interactive and meaningful way.”
4 Barberton students standing in the library with a handmade sign listing "unhealthy" and "healthy" behavior.
6th grade students in Limitless Ambition, Spring 2024.

This round of grants reflects Barberton Community Foundation’s deepening commitment to youth development and kindergarten readiness, and lays the groundwork for long-term, transformational change in the lives of Barberton’s children and families.

About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded more than 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs.

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on
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From Empty to Exciting: Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

From Empty to Exciting: Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

From Empty to Exciting:
Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Main Street Barberton, and the City of Barberton, is proud to announce $230,000 in grant funding to support three new Barberton businesses as part of an ongoing, strategic effort to reinvigorate downtown Barberton.

The funding is awarded through the Foundation’s Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP) and its Restaurant & Retail Challenge—two programs designed to attract investment in dormant or inactive downtown buildings.

These programs are funded by Barberton Community Foundation and administrated by Barberton Community Development Corporation. Main Street Barberton and the City of Barberton are also involved to provide support as these business come to life downtown in the Magic City.

Grant Recipients Overview:

Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
• Clem’s Viral Bites – $95,000 to renovate 477 W. Tuscarawas Ave.
• The Caddie Corner – $95,000 to renovate 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Restaurant & Retail Challenge
• The Tea Lady – $20,000 to establish a new tearoom experience at 190 2nd Street NW
• The Caddie Corner – $20,000 to launch an experiential golf simulation at 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Key to these programs is the required matching investment from the business owners. Together, these businesses are committing a 100 percent match to the funding awarded through these grants. The money will be applied to building renovations and will be paid as a reimbursement once the work is complete.

“We’re building real momentum in downtown Barberton,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “These grant programs represent a coordinated strategy to bring interesting businesses into our downtown while supporting people in the business community who are stepping up and investing alongside us. We’re seeing real momentum.”

“Congratulations to these businesses for being selected and investing in downtown Barberton,” said Mayor William Judge. “Continuing to build our downtown remains a priority and this is another step in that direction. The City is proud of this collaboration with the business owners, the Foundation, BCDC, and Main Street Barberton. This kind of teamwork is exactly why we’re seeing progress—and why Barberton’s revitalization continues to be successful.”

Three Businesses, One Shared Vision

Notably, The Caddie Corner received funding from both programs—underscoring how the Foundation’s distinct grant programs work together. In addition to renovating a vacant building, the Caddie Corner is a new entertainment experience in downtown Barberton.

“We’re excited to be expanding with a new business,” said Joe Giovanini, owner of The Caddie Corner. “This isn’t just a renovation project—it’s about creating experiences. We believe in Barberton and if you haven’t visited downtown Barberton in a while, you should. It’s filled with some great businesses and even better people. We hope to be able to make a positive contribution to its growth and assist in turning downtown Barberton into a destination.”

As the “boots on the ground” partner, Main Street Barberton is ready to support them – and all new ventures opening downtown.

“We’re excited to see these businesses open their doors and bring something new to our Main Street footprint,” said Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director of Main Street Barberton. “This is exactly the kind of growth we’ve been working for, and our team is ready to support these business owners and help them succeed.”

The awarded projects highlight what’s possible when public-private collaboration is focused on a vision for downtown revitalization. Three previously vacant buildings will be brought back into active use.

“We are seeing real progress in making our downtown an attractive destination for families,” says Gordon. “We’ve set the stage for real investment in downtown, and this is just the beginning.”

Strong Partnerships, Smart Investments

Applications were researched and reviewed by the Economic Vitality Committee of Main Street Barberton and formally approved by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) Project Review Committee. Each submission was evaluated using a scoring rubric that prioritized readiness, financial sustainability, and community impact.

BCDC plays a critical role in administering the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program, including helping validate that the work was completed as anticipated and providing the reimbursement payments.

“This is a great example of what strong partnerships can accomplish,” said Scott Wagner, Executive Director of BCDC. “We’re proud to serve as the Foundation’s administration partner on this initiative and look forward to continuing the good work of supporting Barberton’s business community.”

What’s Next

Grant recipients are now in the process of finalizing agreements and preparing for project implementation later this year. Future funding opportunities are currently under review by the Foundation’s Economic Development

Committee, and additional announcements may be made at a later date.

For questions about the grant programs, the selection process, or upcoming opportunities, please contact Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director, Main Street Barberton at (330) 510-1335, email melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com or visit mainstreetbarberton.com