At South Street Ministries, we are committed to empowering authentic community voices, leadership, and transformation. These values are not just words for us, they are the foundation of the spaces we cultivate and the work we pursue each day. As you read through this month’s newsletter, we invite you to catch up from the staff and hear about just a few ways Christ is moving around us!
South Street Ministries lives the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) principles of neighborhood ministry. One such principle stresses remaining in place and proximity for an extended period of time in order to see God’s Kingdom flourish in a community.
One of the joys and fruits of longevity is watching kids grow into adults. This summer, three young men (all 16) helped with the labor of Bike Shop. One of these young men has been in and around South Street Ministries since his birth!
In fact, in his earliest years, he and his twin brother were caught throwing rocks at one of South Street’s vans while all of 3 years old! Now, thirteen years later, he is helping (and paid) to set up and run Bike Shop and other South Street cycling programs!
What happened over those thirteen years? Five years of After School. Five years of Open Gym. A decade of Bike Shop engagement. Thirteen years of mentorship, discipleship, support, and love.
Another CCDA principle is community voice, so let’s hear from Deandre in his own words,
“When you ask me what Bike Shop means to me over the years, that’s a lot. It’s been a place of friendship for me. It’s also been an adventure – we went mountain biking together! Now I’m working this summer!”
On one of our last August nights, there was essentially a Bike Shop homecoming. Deandre’s mother was present. She was proud of how her son has grown, proud of him being about community good and faith. Deandre’s friends were present too. We celebrated Laevon’s graduation. We laughed at how tall Myrell was continuing to get. Deandre’s brother earned a bike that evening too – the same brother who threw rocks at the South Street van 13 years ago.
Neighborhood ministry requires time. Love, faith, and supportive development are some other key ingredients. Over time, we get to see and celebrate the growth of kids into young adults who care for their community. Their journeys are just beginning and very well may represent the next chapters of South Street Ministries and God’s Kingdom in our community.
Volunteering
There are many ways people connect with South Street Ministries, and one meaningful way is through volunteering. Our volunteers come from churches, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhoods across our community. They are people from every background and walk of life. Even our justice-impacted neighbors learn what community service looks like and why we place such a high value on giving back.
We would love for you or a group to join us this fall at South Street as we continue equipping and inspiring the restoration of our community, economy, and faith.
Special Giving Option: Stock Gifts Through ACF
As the stock market continues to grow, now is the perfect time to consider giving stocks or other special gifts to South Street. South Street Ministries has an endowment fund at Akron Community Foundation and can easily receive gifts of appreciated stock or mutual funds with no transaction costs!
Summer at South Street has been FULL!
Full of joy, laughter, lessons, sweat, fun, and memories that will last.
Firehouse Youth: Sparks
Over the summer, our Sparks kids visited the Fire Department, went to the Akron Zoo, had swim lessons at the YMCA, went to Putting with the Police, did a week of Vacation Bible School in Summit Lake with the help of the Front Porch Fellowship, and had two weeks of Cycling FRIENDS!
We could not have done all of this without an amazing staff, some fantastic volunteers, and so many amazing partners in Summit Lake and all around Akron.
Bike Shop
Our summer Bike Shop has been busy with their sweat equity earn-a-bike program and Summi Metro Park rides. Bike Shop worked in Summit Lake at AMHA, North Hill at 915, downtown with Summit Cycle Center, and in East Akron. From May to the end of July, 388 bikes have been earned, 182 repairs completed, and over 370 hours volunteered! None of this would have been possible without the many bikes donated by so many, the dedicated staff, and the consistent volunteers who choose to show up every single week. We thank you and look forward to ending the season strong!
Your prayerful support of South Street Ministries makes caring, compassionate, and grace-filled work possible.
It is your generous giving that keeps us walking alongside children, families, and neighbors who need hope. Together, we’re making an impact alongside you to renew our community for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Thank you, and God bless you!