Building Brighter Futures Through Fatherhood | | |
Dads can make a dramatic difference in their children’s lives, but for some fathers, being present and engaged can feel out of reach, even when the desire is there.
That was the case with Brent, a Summit County father who missed milestones in his child’s life while he was incarcerated. During one of the lowest moments of his life, Brent began the work of turning things around with the support of Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) Parent Engagement Coordinator Jamahl Id-Deen and ECRC’s 24/7 Dad program, an initiative designed to help fathers better understand and embrace the critical role they play in their children’s lives.
Recently, Jamahl and Brent reunited during the Summit County Father’s Walk as Brent was walking his daughter to her elementary school. In that moment, Brent shared how he was putting the lessons from the 24/7 Dad program into practice, rebuilding a once-broken relationship by showing up for his daughter with consistency, intention, and confidence he never believed were possible.
The emotional reunion reminded Jamahl of the meaningful impact ECRC's work has throughout the community.
“I regularly meet fathers just like Brent. I’ve walked them through our 24/7 Dad program during some of the lowest moments of their lives, and they have come out on the other side with renewed purpose,” Jamahl said. “They share with me how they now carry new mindsets, stronger relationships, and a deepened understanding of what it means to be present, consistent, and engaged fathers.
“Each encounter is a reminder that these changes are real and lasting. These fathers are not only transforming their own lives but also shaping brighter futures for their children. Seeing their growth firsthand is both humbling and inspiring, and it reinforces a simple but powerful truth: real change is happening here in Summit County, one dad at a time.”
Over the last fiscal year, the Early Childhood Resource Center supported more than 450 fathers through programs focused on strengthening families and building healthier communities. To learn more about our fatherhood services, visit our website.
| | 175 Years of Faith, Service, and Shared Commitment | | |
We marked a meaningful new chapter for the Early Childhood Resource Center on March 11 as we celebrated the 175th Anniversary of our founders, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, and hosted a community open house at our new Akron office space, located within the 915 North Main Community Connection Center. The event brought together staff, board members, community partners, and leaders of the Sisters of Charity Health System to honor a legacy of service and look ahead to the important work unfolding in our communities.
The timing felt especially fitting during Women’s History Month, as we reflected on the courage and vision of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. One hundred seventy‑five years ago, they answered a call to serve with compassion and resolve, laying a foundation that continues to shape our mission today. We were deeply honored to have so many of the Sisters (pictured above with Health System leadership team members) join us for this milestone moment.
As Sister Judith Ann often reminds us, “we have never done it alone.” That truth was evident throughout the gathering, which reflected the shared commitment that sustains this work across generations. The Sisters’ legacy continues through all who serve, support, and partner with us, carrying forward a mission rooted in hope, dignity, and care.
Together, we celebrated the purpose and promise of the Early Childhood Resource Center and the role we play in supporting children, families, and educators across our communities.
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Mark your calendars for what is sure to be a memorable day as we welcome best-selling children’s book author Eric Litwin for a Professional Development Conference on May 30 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A former classroom teacher, Eric is now a New York Times best-selling and award-winning original author of the Pete the Cat series, as well as author of The Nuts, and Groovy Joe. He is a popular national presenter, offering engaging performances and keynotes on early literacy and positivity.
The conference will take place at The Remedy Church in Akron. Providers should watch your email, as more details will be shared soon.
| | Hoppin' into Spring in Canton | | |
The Canton office was hoppin’ on March 19 as more than 100 parents and children gathered for Hoppin’ into Springtime, a festive, holiday‑themed family event. Families enjoyed photos with the Easter Bunny, hands‑on crafts, games, and an energetic Easter egg hunt on the ECRC playground.
Events like these reflect our commitment to strengthening families and creating moments of connection within the communities we serve. The enthusiastic turnout and smiling faces were a meaningful reminder of the positive impact this work can have.
Similar celebrations are planned at our Boardman office on March 26 and our Akron office on April 2, continuing the springtime fun for families across the region.
| | Read Across America in Akron | | |
It was a day of reading and community engagement for our Akron staff on March 4 as they participated in Read Across America Week in partnership with Akron Public Schools.
Team members Jyesse, Amy, Kelley, Samantha, and Jamahl visited Rimer CLC, Windemere CLC, King CLC, and Sam Salem CLC to share tales of dragons at a taco party, a fox in socks, and a noisy lion cub looking for friends, with some of our community’s youngest learners.
We appreciate Akron Public Schools for its continued partnership and for supporting this essential childhood development skill.
| | Maximize Your Giving This Tax Season | |
With tax season upon us, it’s a great time to think about how your generosity can go even further. There are several smart giving options that may help you maximize your impact in support of the Early Childhood Resource Center—while also offering potential tax benefits.
Certain non-cash gifts, such as appreciated stock or cryptocurrency, Donor-Advised Fund contributions, and IRA gifts (for those age 70½ and older), can be especially effective ways to give. These options may provide tax advantages while allowing you to make a meaningful investment in the children, families, and early educators in our community.
We invite you to use this helpful free resource from our partners at FreeWill to learn more about these giving options and determine whether any fit your circumstances. There is no obligation to give today; this is simply an opportunity to explore charitable options that may benefit both your family and the children and families served by the Early Childhood Resource Center. When you’re ready to give, you can complete the webform, selecting the Early Childhood Resource Center from the list of Sisters of Charity Health System ministries in the gift designation dropdown menu.
And if none of these giving options currently apply, you can always make a one-time or recurring gift to the Early Childhood Resource Center by visiting www.ecresourcecenter.org/donate.
Thank you for the many ways you support the advancement of our mission. Together, we continue to write the next chapter for local families in need.
| | Investing Where It Matters Most | | Schauer Group is an independent risk management advisory firm committed to helping people, companies, and communities thrive. Headquartered in Canton, our risk professionals work with clients across the country to develop tailored solutions for their risk management, commercial insurance, employee benefits, personal risk, and corporate surety needs. Our approach allows us to partner with our clients to make decisions and implement customized plans that help their organizations succeed. | | | |
At Schauer Group, one of our core values is commitment, and we are dedicated to investing in the Northeast Ohio communities where we have offices and where our associates live and work. Annually, Schauer Group associates donate more than 3,000 volunteer hours to organizations they care about, and one-third of our team serves on a local nonprofit board of directors!
We are proud to partner with the Early Childhood Resource Center and to support their work to improve outcomes for young children in our community.
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Help Strengthen Families
In Our Community
Through the support of individuals like you, we are proud to offer programming, resources, trainings, and referrals in the following counties: Portage, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull.
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A Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
proudly serving Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull counties.
Visit our website ecresourcecenter.org or call 330-491-3272
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