The Appleton Award for Urban Leadership

Labron James Family Foundation

2024 Award Winner

Each year, the Appleton Award celebrates leaders whose vision and commitment create meaningful, lasting change in our communities. In 2024, we are proud to honor the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) for its extraordinary work to transform Akron through a bold, comprehensive model of community building. The Foundation continues to uplift families through education at the I PROMISE School, transitional housing at the I PROMISE Village, long-term stability through I PROMISE Housing, healthcare at I PROMISE HealthQuarters, higher education support at the I PROMISE Institute, and job training at House Three Thirty.

By delivering this accessible ecosystem of resources within just a few city blocks, LJFF is redefining what it means to invest in a neighborhood.

Our partnership with LJFF has been central to bringing I PROMISE Housing to life. From the earliest stages, LJFF recognized the urgent need for safe, affordable homes and joined with EANDC to create a development that goes beyond housing. Together, we’ve built not just a place to live, but a space for families to gather, grow, and build futures. The collaboration has been hands-on and innovative, from designing units that include family tables to ensuring wraparound support for every resident.

As Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, shared:

“In order to address our community’s needs, we knew we needed to build something different with partners we trust. From day one, EANDC has brought their expertise in housing and commitment to the community to the table as we deliver an essential resource in a whole new way. We’re proud of I PROMISE Housing and the progress we’ve made alongside EANDC in offering a space that creates lasting, visible change – but we’re still just getting started in this long-term work.”

Together, EANDC and LJFF are proving that when strong partners unite around a shared vision, we can keep dreams alive and change lives for generations to come.