February has been a month of serving!

This past week, CAST was invited to speak at the Jackson Township Rotary luncheon. It was a privilege to share about the important work of CAST in our local community. I'm so thankful to be part of a group of people who quietly go into their community to serve others with no care of recognition or praise -- the true definition of humility.

As you read this month's newsletter, I know you will have a smile wrapped ear to ear. It is filled with joy, laughter and the heartbeat of our work. And, although it is mentioned again below, I want to personally ask you to...

Save the Date

May 25th

CAST BLAST.

With gratitude,

Sonja White

Executive Director

Valentines Day!

#CASTkids were very excited to receive an invitation from Allay Senior Care to join in on some Valentine's Day fun! Students from both Early College and McKinley High School spent time on Valentine's Day celebrating with Allay residents, playing games and helping to crown the Valentine King and Queen.

Even more sweet? The #CASTkids delivered sugar cookies that were decorated with lots of love (AND frosting) by AIM Academy #CASTkids.

Food Bank!

This month we had the opportunity to serve TWICE in one week at The Akron Canton Regional Food Bank. Our adults kicked off the week volunteering and packaging 4,350 meals. Our #CASTkids then took advantage of a "No School" day and (instead of sleeping in) spent their morning volunteering at the food bank! Accompanied by some awesome CAST adults and the Jackson JAGS, this crew packaged 3,670 meals!

Did you know CAST serves monthly at the food bank AND just passed the 50,000 meals packed mark?

For more information on how you can sign up to serve alongside CAST click the link below.

Click here to Serve!

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

In addition to serving at Allay Senior Care, The Akron Canton Foodbank, and The Refuge of Hope our #CASTkids also visited the Habitat for Humanity ReStore this month! A group of 8 Early College High School Students spent their Saturday morning helping to price multiple pallets of donations while working alongside Early College Graduates and College aged leaders. Even more special? #CASTkids celebrated a very special Sweet 16 complete with Ice Cream Cake!

Happy Birthday Tooba!

Partner Spotlight: Mat Sisters & Men's Book Study!

Our women's book study, otherwise known as the "Mat Sisters" is an accepting, loving and safe learning environment for women to grow in both their faith and friendships. When the sisters meet, their time is split between relational time, often over a light breakfast and discussion centered around their latest Christ focused book choice. Currently, the Mat Sisters are reading Glory Days by Max Lucado.

The Mat Sisters, a group currently averaging 20 meet on Friday Mornings at the Savage's home from 8:30am-10am.

Email Peg for more Information

Our men's book study is a place for men to come together, have coffee and learn both from and with one another. Each book they choose to study is centered around relationships...bettering their personal relationship with Christ, being a better father, husband and friend.Currently, the Mens Book Study is reading Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes and meets Monday Mornings at the Snavely's home from 7am-8am.

Email Mike for more Information

Building friendship and community

Both the Men and Women's Book studies offer a welcoming community where friends get to do life alongside one another all while deepening their relationship with Christ. Not only do these groups offer weekly space for people to grow, but they offer a community where friends support one another, encourage one another and do life side by side with each other. Whether it's joining in with The Mat Sisters or Men's book studies weekly in person (or on Zoom) or it's serving alongside them at a Habitat House or the Food Bank there is always space for new friends to become family.

Click here to hear Ava's Testimony from last August

Keeping up with CAMP

Last August, we had the honor of hearing from a handful of our CAMP Students as they shared the impact CAMP has had on their lives. One of those students,Early College High School Senior, Ava Dietz just announced her full ride academic scholarship offer to Walsh University. We are so excited for Ava and so thankful for the CAMP program!

CAST's Coming Soon!

So many exciting adventures are right around the cornner for CAST..take a look at some of the exciting things that are to come!

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! The CAST Blast is scheduled for May 25th at Lake Cable!

2023 Habitat Build!

We are so excited to announce that CAST is building alongside Habitat for Humanity again this year! Stay tuned to hear how you can help us build hope again in 2023.

Blessing Boot Camp Summer 2023!

Blessing Boot Camp, CAST's summer day camp for middle schoolers is set to begin year three this June! Be on the look out for a registration form in our April and May newsletters.

Young Adult CAST!

We are very excited to announce that CAST 4 Young Adults will launch this summer! Set to meet monthly on Friday evenings, this group will offer a space for high school seniors, college students and those who are "young at heart" to build friendships, community, and have hands-on serving experiences in their community. More details to come in our March newsletter!

Did you know that you can serve alongside the #CASTkids?

At CAST, we believe in encouraging, mentoring and doing life alongside the next generation. It is because of this belief and the special relationships we have with local schools that we make #CASTkids such a priority

Students serve with CAST on a weekly basis..take a look at next month's service calendar and consider linking arms with #CASTkids to serve alongside this phenomenal group of students!

I want to serve alongside the #CASTkids