Foundation Announces 2023 Health and Wellness Grants

Foundation Announces 2023 Health and Wellness Grants

 Barberton Community Foundation’s Board of Directors met on July 20, for their regular meeting. The board approved 14 grants to area nonprofits focusing on health and wellness initiatives for Barberton. Total funding for this cycle is $139,500.

Grants:

1. Victim Assistance Program was awarded $25,000 to support their 2024 Barberton Advocacy Program. This program supports 300 Barberton residents who have been personally impacted by crime, violence and trauma, as well as 300 additional clients from surrounding communities who utilize the Barberton Municipal Court.  

2.  AxessPointe Community Health Centers received $25,000 to update equipment at the Barberton location on Robinson Ave and in the mobile unit. Equipment includes an EKG, vitals machine, scale and an otoscope. The mobile unit will receive portable equipment including an HbA1c test to measure blood sugar.

3. Habitat for Humanity of Summit County received $15,000 for their 2023 Barberton New Home Build project, which will be used to construct a home on Norman Street.

4. Embracing Futures received $10,000 for their Orthodontic Care Program, which provides braces for children with low-income families.

5. CareStar Community Services received $10,000 for Community-Based Wraparound Services to Barberton students and families. CareStar Community Health Workers provide home visits, services and resources, including health screenings, as part of their wraparound program.

6. Humane Society of Summit County was awarded $10,000 to support the MABEL Mobile Veterinary Clinic visits to Barberton. The MABEL bus provides veterinary services such as spay and neuter for dogs and cats, as well as vaccines. Funding allows low-income Barberton residents to utilize the clinic for free. Funding is expected to cover spay/neuter services for 172 cats and dogs and vaccines for 80 cats and dogs.

7. Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank received $7,500 the Barberton Direct Distribution program provides food and groceries monthly at Barberton’s Salvation Army on Wooster Rd. The program’s goal is to serve 85-100 families each month and distributing an average of 18,000 lbs. of food.

8. Greenleaf Family Center was awarded $7,000 for their Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program (ASPP) which will provide suicide prevention programming for Barberton Students from July 2023 to June 2024. The programming is for approximately 1800 Barberton Middle and High School students, along with training for school staff.

9. Ben Curtis Family Foundation was awarded $6,500 to support their Birdie Bag Program. Each bag contains six meals, four snacks and toiletries for students on long weekends.

10. Stewarts Caring Place received $5,000 for cancer wellness and support services. Stewart’s Caring Place provides wigs, fittings and supplies, family and legal counseling, and assists with advocacy.

11. Family and Community Services received $5,000 to support Mobile Meals which provides hot and frozen meals and supplements to elderly, disabled or low-income residents.

12. Rape Crisis Center received $5,000 to support 150 Barberton residents in 2023 with outreach and education, support groups, crisis intervention, advocacy, therapy and other services.

13. CASA Board Volunteer Association received $5,000 for Barberton volunteer recruitment. CASA, or court appointed special advocates, are trained community volunteers appointed by a juvenile court judge to speak for a child’s best interest.

14. United Way of Summit and Medina received $3,500 to support 2-1-1 Information and Referral Services. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 helpline and database for health and social services available in Summit County. The helpline serves about 2,500 Barberton residents each year.