March Newsletter

Earlier this month, CAST students had the invaluable opportunity to reconnect at EPIC (Every Person is Crucial), a transformative retreat led by our affiliate Ripple FX. Pictures are worth a thousand words…be sure to check out the highlights from this very special weekend.

As we look forward to upcoming events, we invite you to mark your calendars for CAST Blast on May 29th, where we will celebrate the remarkable tenure of Ken Brunner — a man who has fought a good fight, finished his course and kept his faith!

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce our participation in the Habitat Faith Build, an opportunity for volunteers to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Stay tuned for further details on how you can sign up to volunteer and be a part of this meaningful initiative.

And, we encourage individuals to volunteer for the Bear Hugs pop-up prom shop, You can connect with this special opportunity by clicking the links in the newsletter.

As I conclude this note, it’s Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the word Mandate…and at the Last Supper, Jesus gave a new mandate. After washing his friends’ dirty feet, He told us to love others the way God has loved us. In that moment he showed us how to love and serve others.

Thank you for being an example of the mandate Jesus gave that night. I learn so much from watching the ways you love and serve.

Happy Easter!

With gratitude,

Sonja White

Executive Director

Let's us know that your coming!

We are extending a HUGE thank you to our friends and family at VASCO Asphalt for sponsoring the ice cream truck and helping to make this serving opportunity an extra sweet memory!

No School Serve Day at The Akron Canton Regional Foodbank

CAST's "No School-Serve Days" are a tradition new to our #CASTkids this school year!

Our next "No School- Serve Day" will take place

Monday, April 1st 1-3:30 pm

and promises to be an extra sweet day!

Not only will this be another amazing opportunity for a multigenerational service experience, but we will also be treated to Ice Cream when the Pav's Creamery Truck pulls into the loading docks once again!

EPIC 10

Year after year, God makes a way for students to meet Him while at EPIC-a weekend youth retreat that stands for Every Person Is Crucial.

EPIC 10 was a surreal experience for our #CASTkids to be able to attend once again. EPIC Ten marks a decade of students meeting Jesus, marks the reimplementation of a CAST tradition, and marks the start of so many students walk with Jesus.

At EPIC this year, 9 #CASTkids had the opportunity to spend time with each other, strengthening relationships among their peers and sharing intentional time with leaders where they could let down walls and have real conversations. Students had fun, played games, danced, laughed, worshiped, learned about the names of God and most importantly had the opportunity to meet Jesus.

We praise God for a fun weekend, for the memories that were made and the seeds He planted in each of these students hearts. We praise God for the 9 students who experienced His love at EPIC this year, one of whom decided to welcome Jesus into his heart and three who made the decision to recommit their lives to Jesus. We praise God for every person who has worked so hard to make EPIC happen for the past decade.

Rosa and her BFF, Nyla who is a 2nd year #CASTkid after Rosa invited her to join CAST

#CASTkid Highlight

Rosa Miguel Tomas

This month we are excited to highlight one of our phenomenal CAST Students

Miss Rosa Miguel Tomas. Rosa, soon to graduate from Youtz Leadership School and move onto middle school has spent the last three years participaing in CAST after school at Youtz.

Rosa's favorite part of CAST is that "you get to hang out with friends and work on projects"--her favorite projects are tie blankets and cookie jars.

During her time as a CASTkid at Youtz, Rosa was always willing to lend a helping hand, put some extra love into a project and invite friends to join in on the fun.

Now, 11 years old,, Rosa is proud to have participated in CAST during her time at Youtz. Rosa is a quiet young lady with a huge heart and big smile and we cannot wait to watch her shine as a leader at Middle School next fall.

Fun Facts about Rosa!

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Dessert: Churros

Favorite Class: Reading

Favorite Dunkin Donut: Glazed donut with vanilla frosting and sprinkles

Extracurricualrs: Volleyball, Girls on the Run and Band (flute)

Amazon Wish List

Jackson Bear Hugs Volunteer Opportunity

In April, over 500 students from schools across Stark County will be shopping for prom dresses, suits and accessories during their school day - all for FREE and with the help of volunteers!

Jackson Bear Hugs needs help with lunch for the kids each day - including water, cookies, napkins and plates.

For those interested in volunteering or providing lunch please use the link to sign up.

Can’t volunteer but still want to help? Bear Hugs has an Amazon Wish List that allows you to purchase and ship directly to them!