It’s always a privilege to hear from South Street’s supporters about WHY they invest time, talent, or treasure into the Kingdom work happening on a daily and weekly basis.
Amy* is a friend who became familiar with our efforts over a decade ago — and though some things have changed in her life over that time, her commitment to serving the needs of this community has not. Here’s why:
More than 10 years ago, I was seeking answers to my questions about church, salvation, trauma, and faith that were beyond my awareness of “religion.” My lack of clarity and anger over being misunderstood led me on a journey [on which I] crossed paths with South Street Ministries.
Serving got me outside of my own head, and I experienced Jesus and church in a whole new way. I attended The Front Porch Fellowship for a season, and it was refreshing and real. No mass production worship, just authenticity. I needed that.
Years later, seasons of life have changed — but my love for the mission-driven people who lead at South Street has not. I give consistent, financial support because it is a privilege to support the hands and feet of Jesus living in Akron. Relationships are key. One person, one family, at a time — one day at a time.
My heart and prayers stay with this ministry because I experienced how the Holy Spirit felt among God’s people there. It takes commitment to build life-changing relationships, and while I don’t live in the city, I’m grateful to support those who do, both prayerfully and financially.
Thank you, Amy*, for sharing your experience with South Street — and for sharing the resources God has entrusted to you with the neighbors and neighborhoods of South Akron and Summit Lake!
The South Street Ministries team is grateful for those friends who have donated toward our $130,000 Restoration Campaign. I wanted to provide you with an update regarding your generous giving to support renovations of Restoration House and empowering our ministerial staff as we endeavor to serve South Akron, Summit Lake, and Reentry communities for another 25 years!
Restoration Campaign-funded renovations on Restoration House have begun! Raise the roof in praise! Contractors were finalized in August, and last week Restoration House’s leaking shingle roof was replaced.
It was beautiful seeing THE Church acting in love, unity, and sacrificial service as we hosted industrious volunteers from four local churches. This Service Day team completed additional demolition needed for interior renovations to begin later this month.
Donations toward our Restoration Campaign empower our ministers in their gifts and calling:
- Shawn Bonner is empowered to co-lead the monthly Citizen Circle, which assisted a gentleman who then paid it forward with free haircuts at the Akron Community BBQ (an event Shawn organized that brought neighbors together for fellowship, food, and resources).
- Donovan Harris is empowered to lead and inspire returning citizens, “his people,” toward redirection by changing their thinking, lifestyles, and habits. He supports their personal and community process of transformation to become restored citizens who move toward the goals of life: family, home, business, and faith.
- Bahote “Luch” Griffin is empowered as Youth Engagement Specialist, commissioned by the Reentry team, to engage youth in circumstances and cultures of violence.
- David Shahata is empowered to lead Discipleship House in a year-long journey modeled around community, service, and learning in the Summit Lake neighborhood.
Thank you again for investing in this 25th Anniversary initiative!
Haven’t donated yet? We invite you to consider this opportunity to love, serve, and restore our community here.
By Donovan Harris & Lamar Atchison
Akron is in a tough spot. Tragedies and episodes of community violence are up, and everyone is looking for answers. Strategic plans are drafted, best practices in other cities are considered, and meetings are hosted.
But Donovan Harris isn’t going to another meeting. At least not without a young leader alongside him! “We have to listen to the young people,” Donovan says. “They are the ones closest to these problems, and they are the ones who will provide the answers Akron needs.”
So this is what South Street has stepped toward by adding Bahote “Luch” Griffin to the team as Youth Prevention Lead, trained and commissioned by the leaders of the South Street team to engage and intervene in contexts of violence, prevention, and life issues for and with the young people of Akron.
And in the true spirit of listening to young leaders, he introduces himself here:
Before I Self Destruct
By Bahote “Luch” Griffin
My name is Bahote Griffin, but I go by “Luch.” Luch is my middle name, and it’s short for Luchiano. I am 25 years old and Akron — born and raised. I grew up on the north side until I was about 9, then I moved to the west side for the remainder of my childhood and teenage years. I have a soft spot for the north side because it’s the side of town my father passed away on.
Now I have a soft spot for the west side as well, because both of my best friends were murdered five months apart there. I am currently raising my baby brother, who is now 12 years old and a handful.
I received a call from Donovan [inviting me] to be the voice of youth violence prevention … and it was an easy yes for me. I have known Donovan since I was 7, so he has seen my development better than I have seen it with my own eyes.
I have created the “Before I Self Destruct” intervention to intercept youth before they think to do something they will regret. I feel that the type of reputation I have in Akron will be beneficial to what I am trying to get done. I am well-respected from both sides of the tracks. What I mean by ‘both sides’ is the good and bad people. I’m ready for the task I have at hand.
Before I Self Destruct will bring together young adults to address circumstances and issues of violence, as well as life choices that can be self-destructive.
As the South Street team grows and steps toward challenging places and circumstances, we ask for your prayers for strength, safety, peace-making, and the love of God in the places that need it most. Thank you for standing with us as we grow and expand to meet new needs in new and effective ways!
Today we’d love for you to “meet” Shawn Bonner — South Street’s Director of Community Engagement — someone who brings great balance and wisdom to our team.
We were able to get not his thoughts about his work and commitment here and among the neighbors we serve, as well as insight into what drives him to be the person he is today. Enjoy!
What is your role?
My role on the South Street team is to bring communities together and to get resources to communities that need them. We were able to have a community BBQ with 14 different organizations offering mental health and medical health help, employment options, recovery options, and more. AND we had our people, our Reentry people, leading the cooking!
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about bringing communities together to address the risk factors around us. Like Morgan Park, a City of Akron park next door to one of the largest vacant commercial properties in Akron. They’ve torn down the old factory, but there is still rubble and dangerous things there — so nobody uses the space. We want to make it a place where families and neighbors can safely gather, and we’re doing that together!
What’s next?
I am excited about planning a South Akron community block party. We’re getting to know the other churches in the neighborhood, and I am starting to engage some of the local South Akron businesses to get involved with the good and redevelopment of this area.
We’ve also been growing our Reentry support. We are keeping Tuesdays as a day for learning from one another peer-to-peer, and we are growing Thursdays to be a day of providers — mental health, church, employers, haircuts, and legal aid!
What is something special to know about you?
At the age of 49, I get to be a loving grandfather. And that means the world to me! Picking up shoes and things for my grandkids makes my day and grounds my work.
We’re humbled by Shawn’s dedication to loving God and loving people and very grateful he’s part of the South Street team!
By Lisa Crabbs
I still sit in awe of all God has done through South Street Ministries for over 25 years and in particular how our youth program got started to where it is now. Together, as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, I would love to take some time to share some of our story…
Duane and I moved into the South Akron neighborhood and soon after it did not take long for children to come over to our house after school. Often, they wouldn’t even stop at home first because there was no adult there to greet them. Our home and yard were a safe environment that welcomed them and offered hugs, snacks, and a listening ear.
I began helping a few with homework and quickly discovered huge gaps between what my children knew and the other children’s academic struggles.
When we relocated to Summit Lake, our goal was to be a neighbor and try to understand the community’s felt needs. This is exactly how the after-school outreach grew — organically and quickly! 25 to 30 kids piled into the Upper Room daily to learn about God, fill their empty stomachs, complete homework, and receive care from adults.
Today, RICH Kids is a fantastic program designed to reach the whole child — not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. I am thankful God has raised up servants like Jocelyn, Bob, and David, whose daily purpose is to truly care for the children. I am thankful for the many gifts YOU bring to South Street too. I am glad this program has only gotten better over the years because of your faithfulness.
Who would have thought by simply loving and caring for one child in Summit Lake — back when this ministry first started — that our outreaches would be what they are now? It’s crazy remembering how God walked us through that season so many years ago.
We as a family began ministering like we did because of God’s call. And now, 25 years later the South Street team is carrying the torch forward … through RICH Kids, Bike Shop, and #AdjustTheCrown (which is soon launching new initiatives in partnership with area schools!).
We are so excited about our 9th Annual Trails N Rails event and would love even more if you’d join us for the event on October 8th!
This year features fun new ways to be involved as a family, with friends, or coming to make new friends!
- Family Fun Ride/Walk/Run — The route will start at Cascade Park and then follow the towpath trail north to Botzum train stop (approx. 6.1 miles).
- Scenic Railroad Ride — Hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Train, load your bike, take the train back, and unload at Northside Station.
- Neighborhood Picnic — Lunch will be served and include activities for kids!
You can even become a Trailblazer and lead your own group! Trailblazers are those who blaze a trail and leads a path for others … which means:
- Option 1 — Actively recruit a minimum of five new participants.
- Participating this year includes both walking and running options, as well as bike-riding options.
- Participant registration is $40 per person, $80 per pair, or $100 for a family.
- We are asking that these five participants you recruit NOT include your relatives already participating, though these family members can absolutely be part of the team you lead.
- Option 2 — Actively recruit a new TNR sponsor.
Each Trailblazer Team Captain will receive a hat to wear as they recruit riders or a sponsorship, blaze the trail on the day of our Trails N Rails fundraiser, or set off on their everyday adventures.
In whatever way you choose to be involved, we can’t wait to see you October 8th for a morning of exercise and enjoyment for the entire family while raising funds as we work and walk alongside many within the community of South Akron and Summit Lake.
Make sure you register NOW to get your Trails N Rails t-shirt and join in the fun!
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with event details!
Big thanks to our 2022 Title Sponsor: Smash My Trash!
Your prayerful support of South Street Ministries makes caring, compassionate Kingdom work possible.
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.
Thank you, and God bless you!