Open Gym — the South Street program that revolves around youth, basketball, and Jesus and runs January through May on Thursday evenings — relies on the compassion of people who enjoy serving others.
Shawn Metcalf is one of those people.
As Chief of Transit Police/Director of Safety, Protection, and Training for METRO, he knew getting involved in community efforts was important.
“METRO is always looking for ways to get involved,” he told us. So when he was approached about sponsoring an Open Gym, “we jumped at the opportunity (twice)! It was a great experience to serve and eat with the students, along with listening to a great topic and discussion.”
And South Street is deeply grateful — week after week — for those who volunteer their time and feed our students and young adults a great meal.
Shawn was glad to be involved: “It was a lot of fun! I think the students playing with us out of our normal uniforms allowed them to see us in a different light. It really showed up the next day, when several of the students approached us at the Transit Center while we were working. The same kids that we see on a daily basis,” he explained, “could now feel comfortable approaching us, joking and laughing about the previous night’s games!”
Serving at Open Gym and building camaraderie with the students and young adults who attend is good for EVERYONE — Shawn included …
“There is no price or amount of time given that can amount to the feeling you have when you leave. I grew up in Akron and know that everyone has a story. [Being there] is a great opportunity to hear a lot of stories from individuals that you would never know anything about unless you attend. I can’t wait until we come back in April!”
Your partnership with South Street Ministries ministers to fourth-graders, high schoolers, young adults, and everyone in between at Open Gym.
If you’d like to take that support one step further, be sure to volunteer! From 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday nights, you can:
- Help referee a basketball game
- Join and play a game
- Keep score — or watch the clock during games
- Or any combination of the above!
Either way, you won’t regret it. And the youth will love you for it!
When I first started this initiative of curbing youth violence in Akron — the Before I Self Destrukt program — I knew it was going to be a difficult task. But I was ready for it.
I have encountered over 50 young men who are considered at-risk and dangerous — but this is the population I strive the most with.
I started working with a young man who was in the middle of street beef with a rival gang and was on the verge of throwing his life away. I was referred by his father to intervene and work with him — but with caution, because it was dangerous. I come from the rough areas and am well respected (by God’s grace), so that armors me to be in these areas to work with this young man.
When we first started getting to know each other, it was very hard for him to commit to wanting to change his life around … until one of his homies was murdered in a drive-by. He called me that next morning, and I could hear the fear in his voice. He asked if we could meet up.
Since he had a clean record, I was able to get him hired into my old job to keep him off the streets. I met up with him twice a week to make sure he was still on the right track — I know how one can get off course.
Some weeks were better than the others, because the negative distractions get you more when you are going in the right direction — and they win if you’re not strong. I was able to get him to start saving his checks more often so that he wouldn’t need anyone for money and he could focus.
Fast forward to now: He is still currently working and has managed to stay out of trouble. I am very proud of him because he has made progress so fast.
Your support of South Street empowers help on the journey toward transformation for at-risk youth and adults like this young man. I pray God blesses you for your commitment to pursuing peace, love, and justice in our communities!
If you know an 18- to 30-year-old who is hungry to grow in relationship with Jesus …
And is open to and curious about an experience fostering growth through direct discipleship enacted in a community setting …
Please tell them about South Street’s Discipleship House!
Here, participants will:
- Be trained up and mentored as disciples who embody the radical ways of Jesus no matter where they are sent or what they are doing.
- Discover discipleship as Jesus intended — living life together amid its everyday realities, joys, and struggles.
- Engage in the Kingdom Leadership Alliance School of Urban Leadership, receiving a nine-month certificate in Urban Leadership.
- Gain valuable wisdom by completing the Immerse Course offered through the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).
- Grow in their own faith and have the opportunity to take ownership of their giftings and servant leadership ability.
- Be given opportunities to build relationships with many of the ministry leaders within the Greater Akron community.
- And more!
Please spread the word and encourage young adults in your life to apply. Click here for more information or to find the online application!
Happy Spring!
I want to personally thank you for your prayers and support. We are looking forward to sharing all the updates to come on what God continues to do through the RICH Kids programming.
Please be praying for:
- Our youth — that they are able to feel safe, seen, and valued, not just because of our staff but that through us they see Jesus Christ.
- Our team — that we continue to grow in ways that facilitate wholistic love well, for our youth and their families.
- Our program — that it would flourish in providing exciting and joyful experiences on site, in our enRICHment activities, and all the new adventures of the field trips to come!
Your prayers make a difference. We can’t do what we do without them!
In a groundbreaking collaboration with Summit Metro Parks, South Street Ministries is thrilled to announce a partnership designed to revolutionize community engagement through cycling. This collaboration marks a significant stride toward enriching the cycling experience for residents in Akron and beyond.
With our deep-rooted commitment to community transformation and empowerment, we have long championed cycling initiatives, as you know, with youth and families through Bike Shop and other programs. This partnership is a natural extension of this mission and using the vast and scenic trails of the Metro Parks system to bring unparalleled cycling programs to the community.
We’ll roll out innovative cycling events tailored to diverse audiences, including:
- Introductory workshops on bike maintenance and trail safety,
- Themed rides,
- Family-friendly gatherings,
- And more.
All the rides and events facilitated through this partnership are free and open to the public … and are designed not only to promote physical activity but also to nurture a sense of community among participants.
Summit Metro Parks has a rich history of serving Summit County’s residents, and this collaboration allows us to extend our relationships in the community, bringing fun and informative cycling programs to more people. We believe that cycling can foster a deeper connection among community members and with the natural beauty surrounding us!
2024 is packed with events catering to cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. Keep an eye out for the “Intro to Cycling” series, a “Freedom Trail Star Wars Ride,” the “Ride of Silence” — to honor those affected by cycling incidents — and many others.
Join us on this exciting journey! Together, let’s pedal toward a future where cycling is a bridge to healthier lives, stronger communities, and deeper connections with nature.
We love when we can say:
It’s that time of year for Trails N Rails — one of our favorite events full of community and connection!
Now is the time to “Empower Every Pedal” by becoming a sponsor.
Through your sponsorship, your services or your organization will be promoted in the community and to the hundreds of people who will join us that day. Additionally, you will be investing in our local community and the future of our youth!
Rev. Mark Pruitt of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church — one of our great sponsors — says:
“St. Paul’s in West Akron is happy to support the work of the faithful leaders and servants at South Street because, well, they are faithful! And their work is bearing good fruit! For our part, we support Trails N Rails, Barnabas Employment Ministry, and we also open our gym to their youth on weekday evenings for tutoring and recreation. We know the world will always be open before us with more than enough needs to meet — we wish we could do more! Dedicated folks at South Street are living out their calling at their particular place in Christ’s mission, with dedication and joy, and partnering with them is one of the ways we are doing the same.”
Thanks in advance for getting involved to support ministry that’s changing lives in South Akron and Summit Lake!
Your prayerful support of South Street Ministries makes caring, compassionate Kingdom work possible.
Please pray that the South Street team’s capacity to love grows in God in the days and weeks ahead. And please give generously, as you feel led, to keep sharing that love with the neighbors and communities we serve!
Thank you again for your prayers and partnership.