OPEN M

The mission of OPEN M is to build bridges out of poverty by fostering health, wellness and nutrition for the body; education for the mind; and hope, joy and spiritual growth for the soul.

Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty and improve the health of our community, one family at a time.

Food Pantry: We feed the hungry in our community in three different ways. (1) Food Pantry: We provide an emergency 3-day supply of food to qualified low-income people in our service area year round. (2) Free Hot Lunch Program: An army of committed volunteers from our covenant churches and local businesses and organizations provide and serve hot lunch during the last two weeks of every month. (3) Food Giveaway: "Mountain of Food" distribution, in partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, we distribute thousands of pounds of free food – much of it perishable – each month.

Free Medical Health Clinic: Our health clinic provides comprehensive care to UNINSURED and underserved residents of Summit County (we do not accept Medicaid, Medicare or VA). We are a patient-centered medical home to more than 700 adults each year. We also offer a full-service pharmacy for our patients. The majority of our patients live with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. We place a high value on education and advocacy. Through education, patients take control of their own health and we drastically reduce the need for emergency care.

Early Childhood &Youth Education: Our early childhood program, ages 3 to 5 yrs old, is designed to take advantage of the window of opportunity that the preschool years represent in order to lead children down a road of academic and personal success. Our program prepares children before they enter kindergarten mind, body, and soul.

Our youth program, ages 12 to 18 yrs old, provides a safe and nurturing space where at-risk youth and young adults find a place to belong. We are working in collaboration with Miller Avenue Church of Christ. Youth are engaged in character and leadership development, recreation, the arts, academic enrichment, and mentoring. We support youth as they take responsibility for their future life, education and work.

Bridges Out of Poverty/Getting Ahead: We are committed to moving families out of poverty. We are a key partner in the Summit County Bridges Out of Poverty Program. We offer “Getting Ahead” classes for adults several times a year. These classes offer a safe learning environment. Our “Getting Ahead” curriculum gives people tools to develop a plan of action to move toward self-sufficiency. We strive to be an ongoing resource and mentor to our graduates as they pursue their educational and work goals.

Community Works Connection (CWC): Is a new dynamic model for helping the poor obtain economic sustainability. This program is intentional about placing the right tools in the hands of people in need, ultimately helping them make right choices and develop good habits. It literally offers hope for the future. Breaking the cycle of poverty requires hard work, discipline, patience, and faith. OPEN M will link together with other community partners to provide the needed resources to equip and empower people living in the trenches of life. We want to encourage them by sending the message of unconditional caring as we cultivate relationships that will be affirming and help them move to the next level. This dynamic model will provide a win/win situation for businesses and the people they help become self-sufficient.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Call 330.434.0110 ext. 418 or email at projects@openm.org.