By Carol Nakata
“How did you get here,” you may ask, being from São Paulo, Brazil. My journey to Ohio all began with Malone University, which connected me to Dr. Elizabeth P. Roe – now my neighbor who connected me to South Street’s Discipleship House Fellowship (DHF) Program.
The moment I read the program’s description, I was all in, but there was an issue – I was in need of a new visa.
As my student visa was due to expire, I asked Elizabeth if applying was still possible as a non-US citizen. She told me to go for it, since the application deadline was approaching. “Surely there’s a creative way.” she said.
One of the biggest lessons I have been learning this year is that God is infinitely more creative than us. He is indeed the Promise Keeper.
There were lots of unknowns stepping into the program, however, through people advocating on my behalf and through God’s provision, I joined the fellowship and have fallen in love with this place.
Summit Lake has become my home away from home and the people here have become family. Living in the neighborhood has opened my eyes to so many things like radical hospitality, living as little children and to the prayer – “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
Intentional living at the house, having the opportunity to help at programs, such as Bike Shop and RICH Kids, and being a part of the Kingdom Leadership Alliance (KLA) and School of Urban Leadership (SOUL) cohort have stretched me as a follower of Christ and as a leader.
I look forward to continuing to grow and to also see the DHF flourish in its mission of embodying discipleship through learning and life on life community.
Thank you, Jesus, for abundance!
It’s such a blessing to be able to partner with others in the abundant work of the kingdom. As Jesus said – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Thank you for your support that makes it possible to bring others alongside us in this kingdom work. We are so thankful!
Our annual South Street Ministries Christmas Store will be held on Saturday, December 10th. This is a time for youth involved in our programming, as well as neighbors and church members, to shop for their immediate family.
As we anticipate over 100 children and individuals to participate, we are accepting NEW TOYS AND ITEMS ONLY, ranging from infant through grade 8 and other gifts for pre-teens, teens and adults.
Below are suggested gift donations that have worked well in the past:
- Board games, puzzles, Legos, educational books, art sets, card games, action figures, hot wheels, remote control cars, trucks, baby dolls, Barbies, kitchen sets, etc. (Please consider purchasing dolls that are African-American)
- Sports Items – basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, skate boards, Nerf balls and anything Cavs or Cleveland Browns
- Gifts for infants to preschoolers – diapers, baby wipes, board books and educational toys
- Gifts for pre-teens/teens – jewelry, nail polish, make-up sets, scented lotions, hair accessories, fun pillows, brightly colored/patterned throws, cologne/body spray sets, earbuds, headphones, new book bags, clock radio, art supplies, paint set, journals and watches
- Gifts for parents/grandparents – cologne, perfume, small household items, Christmas ornaments or other decorations, slipper socks, hankies, wallets, candles, throws, decorative baskets, small tool sets, flashlights, picture frames, knick knacks, calendars and umbrellas
*Socks, slippers, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves are needed for all ages.
Or you can donate to our $3,000 #GivingTuesday campaign to help fund our Christmas Store!
Gift Delivery Instructions:
- Gift drop off dates:
- Sunday, December 4th from 1pm to 4pm at 1095 Edison Ave
- Monday December 5th through Friday, December 9th at the Front Porch, 798 Grant St., Akron
Deliveries will be received in the side parking lot at our loading door/ramp.
Volunteer
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years old
- Must be available:
- Friday, December 9th from 5pm to 7pm to help with set-up AND/OR
- Saturday, December 10th from 8:00am. to 2:00pm
Please contact Jocelyn Grant at jgrant@southstreetministries.org to share the day and time you are interested in volunteering.
Each year we are overjoyed by the amazing turnout. From the smiles on the children’s faces to the adults who are thankful for the alternative to buy gifts for their family and friends, we want to thank you for helping us make this event possible.
As you begin preparing to give gifts to your family and friends, we ask that you consider giving a special financial gift to South Street Ministries. Your gift will allow us to provide more resources to those who are in need in our community, especially around the holidays.
By Joe Tucker
If I want someone to witness the flourishing of South Street, I will often invite them to the Front Porch on a Tuesday afternoon. Preparations are being made for the weekly reentry meeting and most of the reentry team are around for a quick introduction. As the afternoon continues more and more participants will come to the Front Porch in advance of the peer-support meeting.
On one occasion, I invited a leader from the philanthropic community. His dress was typical for his day (a suit) and on multiple occasions a few Front Porch friends joked with him about giving or granting them some money! Taking the jokes in stride, he would empty his pockets and share about just being here to listen and learn today.
One jokester, a woman who consistently attends reentry meetings early and serves through helping with set-up, shared about her experiences of homelessness and her active steps towards stability. She pointed to the 801 property across the street, the Restoration House, longingly and voiced her excitement for the possibilities that were to come! She is someone who could use the realities of reentry drop-in support and short-term housing support.
As I have had the privilege of stewarding South Street Ministries through our 25th Anniversary, I’ve had a few goals coinciding with the occasion:
- Fund the renovation of Restoration House – This has been moving forward! Through your support, philanthropic generosity and partnerships with the City of Akron, the renovation of Restoration House is ongoing and moving forward. We have seen a new roof, new plumbing, and new windows installed over the past two months!
- Stabilize and enhance the support of the South Street Staff – We have been working diligently to move the South Street staff towards better equity in wages and salaries and to support that effort by growing the number of individuals and churches that give to South Street regularly! (This is our heartbeat for BridgeBuilders — regular supporters of South Street Ministries who empower the women and men who are doing the work!)
- Honor our Founders – We hosted our celebration in April and have made some exciting steps forward in honoring the legacy of Duane and Lisa Crabbs and their founding of South Street Ministries. Stay tuned for future updates!
Recently, it was our joy to travel together to Charlotte, North Carolina for the Christian Community Development Association conference. Decades ago, this gathering helped fuel and form the beginnings of South Street Ministries, and it was exciting to travel together, learn together, and eat together!
For Duane Crabbs, this time was inspirational as he got to hear and see from John Perkins, one of the founders of the CCDA movement. You can listen to Duane’s reflections on that time here:
The next two months will fly by and it will be 2023 before we know it. We are working hard to finish our 25th Anniversary strong – with completed projects, a supported staff, and a growing legacy!
Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey!
By Riley Alchier
My journey to joining the South Street team has been outstanding. The agency as a whole has been welcoming and I have had the opportunity to be in spaces with people who have helped me to develop professionally.
Additionally, my positions in the various programs at South Street have allowed me to use my foundational social work skills. Most of my time at South Street has been with the RICH Kids program. This holistic program empowers K-5 students with literacy and essential life skills in a fun, safe environment. So far, I have helped and witnessed students work on reading and comprehension, cooking, emotional wellness, and recreational activities like art and STEM lessons.
While at South Street, I have also had the opportunity to join the #AdjustTheCrown program as a co-facilitator. This girl empowerment group employs a group setting to support and encourage participants to build their confidence and find their inner crowns. #AdjustTheCrown sessions are currently being held at two local high schools and have been offered other in-school opportunities in the Akron Public School District.
I also assisted SSM staff with the Bike Shop program during the summer months. When I started, I knew next to nothing about fixing anything, much less a bike. However, my knowledge and skills increased through my engagement with the many adults and children who participated in this program iteration. It was rewarding to see the achievement on each participant’s face as they completed the necessary repairs to their bikes.
The opportunities South Street has provided me over the last few months have helped me develop myself as a professional, but have also helped me to reconnect with my community, for which I am most thankful.
Your continued support of South Street Ministries, turns our simple acts of faith into a powerful movement of God.
It is through your generosity that we are able to restore hope to the hopeless, care for those who are hurting and share the love of Christ with the people in our community. Together, we’re celebrating 25 years of making an impact that would not be possible without your continued support of the ministry.
It is your generous giving that keeps us walking alongside children, families, and neighbors who need hope. Together, we’re celebrating 25 years of making an impact alongside you and the ministry of renewing our community for the sake of Jesus Christ.