January

In January, we kicked off 2024 with our first 'No School - Serve Day' at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Following the enthusiastic response to these unique service opportunities in 2023, we were thrilled to continue this tradition into the new year.

These special days provide our high school students with a valuable chance to give back to their community during their time off from school. By dedicating a few hours on these days, students can volunteer with some of our partner nonprofits that may not offer weekend volunteer options.

Furthermore, these 'No School - Serve Days' create a meaningful opportunity for students to serve alongside a team of dedicated CAST adults, fostering valuable relationships and enriching the lives of both students and volunteers.

March

Before the pandemic, EPIC (Every Person Is Crucial) was a beloved annual highlight for our students. We are incredibly grateful to have been able to revive this cherished tradition in 2024!

This past March, a small but enthusiastic group of nine students embarked on the EPIC journey, enjoying a weekend filled with laughter, games, music, and most importantly, celebrating our faith together. It was a joy to reintroduce EPIC to the next generation of #CASTkids, and we are thrilled to see what the future holds for EPIC 2025.

May

Each spring, the men and women at the JRC Adult Day Care Center enjoy a special day of pampering and celebration, followed by a very exciting red carpet fashion show. This beloved annual event, organized by Lesley Venturella and a dedicated team of CAST ladies, is always a resounding success. Bringing joy and excitement to our friends at the JRC Center is a highlight we eagerly anticipate each year.

June

June has rapidly become the most impactful month of the year for our CAST Students!

We kick off the summer with our annual missions trip to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. While there, our student team actively engages with the community, building meaningful relationships with the residents. From engaging in front porch conversations and leading prayer walks to assisting with painting and home repairs, our students enthusiastically embrace every opportunity to serve.

Following closely on the heels of Aliquippa is Wildside Camp! This past summer, we were privileged to send three of our student leaders to serve as part of the Wildside Work Crew. These dedicated students spent seven days working tirelessly behind the scenes, from assisting in the kitchen to supporting camp activities, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for the middle school campers as they encounter Jesus.

June is undoubtedly a busy month, but we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with these transformative and faith-building service experiences.

July

Blessing Boot Camp is such a highlight of our summer, providing invaluable opportunities to connect with and mentor our middle school students. Each Tuesday, our high school leaders guide a dynamic program filled with games, dance, delicious snacks, and most importantly, meaningful service projects.

From sorting clothing donations at the Refuge of Hope to crafting blankets and decorating cookies for local organizations, our middle schoolers actively participate in hands-on service that makes a real difference in our community.

September

In 2024, we embarked on an incredible journey by participating in our first Faith Build with Habitat for Humanity. This unique experience not only enabled our adult and student volunteers to work alongside two deserving families but also provided a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with 14 diverse faith communities.

Witnessing the power of unity as we worked towards a common goal was truly inspiring. This shared experience reinforces the profound impact that togetherness can have.

Stay tuned to our upcoming newsletters to hear more about how you can play a part in the 2025 Faith Build.

October

Kicking off the school year with our annual high school lock-in is always an exhilarating experience. This overnight event provides a unique opportunity for students to unwind, connect, and simply have a blast. There's a special magic in spending the night with friends, embracing the spirit of camaraderie and enjoying the freedom to stay up late. From exciting games and delicious food to meaningful conversations, our lock-in fosters an environment where students can build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.

December

Concluding 2024 with our annual Christmas party was the perfect way to celebrate with friends and reflect on the year. The holiday season can be hectic, so we deeply cherish these opportunities to connect with our CAST community and explore ways we can collectively make a meaningful impact within Stark County.