From the publisher: New podcast series reveals hunger problem in Portage County
- Ben Wolford
Six-hour bread lines. A person digs through the garbage. A 75-year-old Army veteran wonders aloud: “What the hell am I going to eat?”
nonprofits
New charity forms to support Aurora Food Pantry
- Lauren Cohen
The Aurora VFW Post 2629 and the Knights of Columbus Council 14186 have been purchasing food for the Aurora Food Pantry for several years, donating over $36,000 of perishable food yearly as one of their community projects. But the need for assistance is growing.
Longtime Community Action Council leader David Shea retires; John Kennedy appointed
- Wendy DiAlesandro
David Shea, executive director of Community Action Council of Portage County for 26 years, is stepping down Oct. 22. Taking the lead role is former county treasurer John Kennedy.
Shower, laundry program restarting at Axess Family Services
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Starting this week, Axess Family Services is resurrecting a hygiene program that was one of many shuttered during the Covid era.
Federal funding delay hits Portage County families in need of food and shelter
- Wendy DiAlesandro
A FEMA program that has provided emergency food and shelter for over four decades has not released funding under the Trump administration, leaving local aid organizations to increasingly rely on local donors — if they can be found.
Cocoon Makers looking for new home
- Margaret Lennox
After more than 13 years as an organization, the Cocoon Makers are looking for a new home. The Cocoon Makers were started by two women, Linda Hall and Marilyn Pol, who had a shared concern for homeless members of their community. The group began making what it called cocoons, or quilted bedrolls for homeless individuals, but now makes a variety of projects for different organizations. Hall has since passed and Pol has retired from the group, but the Cocoon Makers […]
Portage County’s pet pantries look to help those in need
- Jacob Wherley
Pet owners sometimes face issues financially providing for their companions. Deirdre Reaves of Kent knows this problem all too well. Twelve years ago, Reaves was facing the possibility of parting with her dog, Dink.
Mantua-based Hearts for Music helping connect people through song
- Audrey Trevarthan
In 2018, Kitrael Chin was contacted by a music group for those with special needs based in St. Petersburg, Russia. The group, named Sunny Notes, wanted Hearts for Music – the Mantua-based orchestra for people with special needs that Chin founded – to play for them, and vice versa. Chin liked the idea.
Socially Responsible Sweatshop prepares quilt for annual raffle
- Staff Report
The Socially Responsible Sweatshop of Kent will raffle off a purple butterfly quilt in this year’s raffle, which helps the nonprofit cover its annual insurance costs.
Portage Foundation creates LGBTQ+ Fund after new law shuts down higher ed support
- Margaret Lennox
The Portage Foundation is offering financial resources to the county’s LGBT community through a fund created after a new law forced campuses to close centers devoted to scholarships and emergency assistance.
New jail transport program has already helped 173 people
- Wendy DiAlesandro
In the first six months of a new Portage County Jail transportation program, 173 people recently released from the jail have taken advantage of free rides to a PARTA hub, personally accompanied by a social worker offering help with employment and housing.
Mobile Meals hopes community support will increase as federal funding is pulled back
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Mobile Meals needs help. Having run out of money in March, the program has been running on fumes ever since.
New head of My Brother’s Keeper will focus on education and mentorship
- Wendy DiAlesandro
After a career in manufacturing, not-so-retiree Gene Brown has found his purpose.
Stampin’ Out Cancer fundraiser seeking vendors, participants
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Bikers for Boobs, a nonprofit based in Portage County, is looking for venues and people who wish to support Stampin’ Out Cancer, its summer-long fundraiser.
Shepherd’s House asks Kent to help with warming center costs that were higher than expected
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Shepherd’s House, which provides the county’s only warming center, is asking Kent city leaders to pay almost $10,000 more than expected for city residents who sought shelter there during the season’s coldest days and nights.
Kent wants to increase grant funding for local social services nonprofits
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Kent’s annual $65,000 grant allocation to local social service agencies has remained static for years, but City Council members recently decided it’s time for a change.
Federal funding to Portage County programs is still on track for now
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Mass layoffs and funding freezes spurred by the Trump administration have caused confusion and concern for federal agencies and organizations that depend on them. But so far, Portage County leaders say local programs and grants are still on track.
Axess Family Services and Children’s Advantage announce merger
- Wendy DiAlesandro
Axess Family Services and Children’s Advantage on Feb. 19 announced that the two nonprofits are merging.