by Joe Tucker

“God is good! All the time!”

More and more I value this refrain — a simple yet deep reminder of the never-ending goodness of God — a reminder we can say in times of ease or times of trouble.

Presently, it is back-to-school time, and with this season comes a bustle of backpacks, preparation for fall programs, and a transition from summer activities to fall schedules. Yet, this time is different. Delta-variant cases are on the rise. Policies and procedures for youth and schools are being discussed and developed.

And still: God is good. All the time.

Here at South Street, we are also taking this time to prepare — for expanded partnerships with local schools, for new team members increasing and effecting ministry, and for continued engagement and service in the neighborhoods we care about and live in.

Throughout this time of service and preparation — God is good.

Thank you, sincerely, for taking the time to read this e-newsletter. Please join us to celebrate the work South Street Ministries is doing … and to commit our efforts to God in prayer.

In addition, take the time today to consider supporting South Street Ministries with a donation — there is transformative work being done here, and every gift makes an impact our community!

Remember, as you read the following: God is good — all the time!

By Jocelyn Grant

Here we grow again!

RICH Kids Enrichment Program has deepened its partnership with both the United Way of Summit County and McEbright Community Learning Center to better serve students. We look forward to the Fall 2021 semester and beyond — to strengthen the comprehension and literacy skills of the current children who attend RICH Kids as well as those who will join us in the future.

The RICH Kids staff plans to participate in training to help students strengthen their reading skills to stave off learning loss after distance-learning difficulties throughout the pandemic.

We ask you today: join the valuable work of RICH Kids by volunteering and praying for wisdom, commitment, and strength for everyone involved. Thank you!

By Shauntae Metcalf

I learned the life lesson of “giving back” from my mother, a single mom to us four kids. Whether it was feeding the homeless during the holidays, helping at church events, or otherwise, we were often at our mother’s side serving together.

But I didn’t realize the true importance of volunteering until, as an adult, I was asked to serve at the Front Porch.

After serving almost three years at Marysville Ohio Reformatory for Women, I was sent to Power Street (Oriana House). In my mind, it was the final stage of me getting my life completely back. I was focused on doing what I had to do to get back on my feet.

Some women I knew had already been attending meetings at the Front Porch. They would come back and tell me how the meeting helped them. They asked me if I would like to go — I told them that I was focused on getting home. But they continued to ask me. After a few times, I decided to go check it out.

My first experience was very eye-opening. Lamar was the facilitator. His speech was very powerful. He explained how we have a community here. That we are here to help you return to society with as few headaches as possible.

After speaking with Lamar afterward, I let him know how much I appreciated what he had to say. He looked at me and said, “This is what we do, day or night … we are here.” And over the course of the next couple of months, what he said stuck with me. Lamar and I stayed in contact … and when he asked me to volunteer as the female facilitator, I was reluctant. But I could hear my mom quoting one of her favorite verses in the Bible — Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is required.” It is important to me then and now to seize the opportunity God has given me.

I know the Lord has had His hand on my life. As He guides my path, He’s also opened my eyes to seeing how every experience (good, bad, or indifferent) can teach me as I help other women with similar backgrounds.

Most importantly, volunteering allows women like myself to see that with a community behind you, hard work, integrity, and self-care, the sky’s the limit. Life is not meant to be walked alone. We all need a helping hand from time to time, or be the hand that’s willing to help.

Shauntae has been instrumental in serving at the Front Porch. We’re grateful for her heart and her dedication. And South Street is thankful for your partnership that makes this outreach possible!

By Yvonne Chappell

Bike Shop this summer has expanded even further into the community!

We have begun to attend The Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmers Market on a bi-weekly basis, as well as Kenmore’s First Friday. During these times, we have bike sharing and offer sales of bike accessories, such as locks, baskets, and pumps. We plan to continue this expansion with more customizable accessories in the future.

So far, our tried-and-true Bike Shop has been booming! Despite all the closures due to weather, we’ve managed to register more than 40 people — both kids and adults! About 20 have earned their bikes to take home. Phenomenal volunteers continue to show up week after week … and to them we say a heartfelt “Thank you!”

Of course, summer isn’t over yet, so we look forward to continuously serving the community every Monday and Wednesday. We hope to see you there as a volunteer — or to earn your very own bike!

By Lisa & Duane Crabbs, Cofounders of South Street Ministries

This year marks 24 years of living in Summit Lake!

We have experienced many changes and challenges over the years; however, it is most gratifying for us to now mentor and disciple those who have the same heart in caring about our neighbors and community.

We are often asked about our family. Here’s a quick update!

Joshua, Allie, James (3½), and Lily (10 months) are currently serving as missionaries with Casas por Cristo in the Dominican Republic.

Bethany, Matthew, Elliott (4½), and Tucker (20 months) all live in the area. They work at Red Oak Behavioral Health and Akron Public Schools.

Hannah and Peter recently relocated to Ohio after working in Turkey for two years. They blessed us with a fifth grand treasure, Kerrick, who is three months old.

Our youngest, Jonathan, is employed with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio and resides in Canton.

We are very proud of our kids, enjoy spending time with our growing family, and especially love being Nonna and Papa to our precious grands!

Trails N Rails is back … and we can’t wait to get started!

This year the Title Sponsor of TNR is Universal Screen Arts!

This is a fun-filled event that brings friends and family outdoors to support South Street. It is a morning of exercise and enjoyment that helps raise funds for a ministry that is changing the lives of today’s South Akron community.

Please join us! You can:

1. Come ride with us — register at https://southstreetministries.org/trails-n-rails

When: October 9

Where: Parking and Registration at the MaComb Group, 20 E. North Street, Akron 44304

Time: 8 a.m. is Registration, with a 9 a.m. Start

2. Become a sponsor: https://southstreetministries.org/trailsnrailssponsorship

3. Donate to the cause! https://southstreetministries.org/trails-n-rails-donate

A very special “Thank you!” to all of our Trails N Rails sponsors!

Be sure you’re part of Trails N Rails this year. It won’t be the same without you!

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT:

Alpha Phi Alpha says, “Those who are down and out have a friend at South Street Ministries, no matter who they are or what they have done. No one is beyond redemption in the eyes of the Lord, nor in the eyes of those who work and volunteer at South Street. It is a no-judgment zone. Life can be difficult and often is for those who come for help. But God forgives, and the men and women of SSM serve as the hands and feet of Christ as He works miracles in the lives of those who trust in Him.”