Akron Community Foundation Awards $358,000 in Grants to Combat Opioid Crisis in Summit County
CLEVELAND — The Akron Community Foundation has announced a significant boost in support for Summit County residents grappling with the opioid epidemic. The foundation’s board of directors recently approved 31 grants totaling $358,000, marking the fifth round of funding from the Summit County Opioid Healing Fund. Established in 2021 using settlement funds from the federal opioid trial, the initiative has now distributed nearly $1.6 million to local nonprofits.
This latest round of grants targets grassroots organizations that are not already funded by the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board. The goal is to fill gaps in services and provide critical support to those most affected by the crisis.
Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “The opioid epidemic has devastated countless lives in our community. These grants are a vital step toward healing and hope, offering resources to organizations that stand alongside our residents every day as they rebuild their lives.”
One standout recipient is the Welcome to Recovery Project, which received $10,000 to create welcome bags for individuals entering treatment facilities. These bags include essential hygiene items and handwritten notes of encouragement. Nadine Kirkland, the project’s founder, shared heartfelt stories of recipients who have found solace in the messages. “Many have told us that those kind words helped them get through the toughest days,” she said.
Other notable grants include:
- Adult Guardianship Services: $5,000 for a pilot program offering guardianship and stabilization support for adults with opioid use disorder.
- ARC Recovery Services: $15,000 to host three recovery events promoting healing and connection.
- Asian Services in Action Inc.: $25,000 for opioid prevention and outreach within immigrant and refugee communities, focusing on Afghan and Bhutanese Nepali populations.
- Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry: $10,000 for Lydia’s Home, a residential program providing recovery support for women.
- Hope United: $20,000 for a virtual reality recovery support program, an innovative approach to aiding opioid recovery.
The grants also support initiatives like equine-assisted therapy, trauma-informed counseling, and transitional housing for individuals overcoming addiction. Programs such as Keys to Serenity ($25,000) and Summit Recovery Hub ($25,000) focus on family recovery and community-based recovery dinners, respectively.
The Akron Community Foundation’s commitment to tackling the opioid crisis underscores the importance of local, community-driven solutions. As the epidemic continues to impact lives across Summit County, these grants provide a lifeline for individuals and families navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery.
For more information on the Summit County Opioid Healing Fund and its initiatives, visit the Akron Community Foundation’s website.
— Reported by Nexio News
