Akron Urban League

The Akron Urban League is a social service agency working to improve the quality of life and social conditions affecting all citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, in the areas of increased job opportunities, improved housing, adequate health, recreation, welfare services, proper career guidance for youth and strong family groups.

The Akron Urban League wanted to become a business partner and get involved with the AkronReads program because the program agrees with the mission of the Akron Urban League by empowering others through reading. This was a perfect opportunity to partner with the Helen Arnold CLC, which is located on the same campus as the Akron Urban League, on Vernon Odom Boulevard. The AUL staff members were excited to volunteer their time to help the youth engage in reading and learning. The AUL staff members stressed that they volunteered to become a tutor because education is the key to success and reading is essential to learning. On October 29, 2009, AUL Tutors attended their in-service at Helen Arnold, followed by a meet and greet the students where they got to know each other and shared in some fun activities. The following week, the first tutoring session took place and both the tutors and the students enjoyed the learning experience.

The Akron Urban League and staff members are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to working with the students at Helen Arnold CLC this year!

Rotary Club of Fairlawn

The Rotary Club of Fairlawn is proud to participate in the Akron Reads Program. Seven of our members and two of their spouses are tutoring children at Findley Academy. Although we have just recently started tutoring, it has already been an enriching and joyful experience.

Our Rotary club and Rotary International have always supported literacy programs throughout the country and the world. Our participation in the Akron Reads Program is an outgrowth of a literacy project that we conducted approximately two years ago. Our club was searching for a literacy program to help the children of our community. We were introduced to the children of Findley Academy. We were intrigued by the international makeup of the students and we were made aware of their particular needs and circumstances. We met the children of Findley and they touched our hearts. We initiated a book drive and were able to collect over 6,000 gently used books which were given to the children of Findley.

Our participation in Akron Reads is another opportunity to help these children. It is truly gratifying to participate in a program that impacts a child’s life in such a significant way. Our members are truly living the Rotary motto which is “Service Above Self”.

Thomas Kelley
Literacy Chair
The Rotary Club of Fairlawn