community impact through homeownership
CEO and President of EANDC Cheryl Stephens with Ward 5 Councilman Johnnie Hannah and Rev. Dr. Charles Myricks Jr. of Arlington Church of God
From May 23, 2026 to June 7, 2026, NeighborWorks and EANDC brought community engagement and volunteer driven events to East Akron and Middlebury neighborhoods.
On Friday, May 29, 2026, EANDC hosted the Creating Homes, Building America Block Party held at Minson Plaza and Baird Street in Akron. It was a time of uplifting the East Akron community through showcasing our Center for Homeownership, local artists, social service agencies, and civic leaders in the community. There was a sense of nostalgia that everyone felt as the Goodyear blimp flew through the sunny skies. Social service agencies networked with each other and provided resources that would improve a family’s livelihood.
A line dancing class led by an EANDC staff member.
CEO and President of EANDC, Ms. Cheryl Stephens started the block party with a welcoming announcement followed by Ward 5 Councilman Johnnie Hannah. Then agencies and neighbors heard great voices from a local singer and poet. One of our staff member’s led a line dancing class. Everyone brought the rhythm and moves as people were waiting in line for hot dogs and burgers provided by our sponsors. A few moms were in line for the fruit trees provided by The Big Love Network in Akron.
Intro to Homebuying Class taught by Our Center for Homeownership
Our Center for Homeownership team conducted an Intro to Homebuying Class that involved a discussion with current renters. One discussion involved our financial literacy counselor and current homeowner about her experience taking a homebuyer education class and the obstacles she faced along the way. Our Center for Homeownership manager spoke with Dr. Yvette Lester, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They spoke about the mental blocks someone has when it comes to buying a home for the first time and how does someone overcome those mental blocks. Most of the attendees were able to leave with a gift and the knowledge to buy a home confidently in Akron.
There was a special appearance from Mark Greer, at-large Akron City Council Member. He shared a few words about his support towards EANDC and the joy he felt in the community.
At-Large Akron City Councilman Mark Greer on the stage alongside members of the City of Akron
Thank you to the social service agencies and nonprofits for your support in homeownership and affordable housing. A special thank you to our sponsors NeighborWorks, The Arlington Church of God, The City of Akron, Centenary United Methodist Church, Dave’s Market, Livingstone Apostolic Church, South Arlington United Methodist Church, Akron Cheap Cars, and Family of Faith United Methodist Church.
EANDC Staff, Judi Hill President of The Akron NAACP, Beth Vild, COO and Director of Programming of The Big Love Network, Tara L. Mosley, and volunteers
On Saturday, June 6, 2026 EANDC staff members collaborate with The Akron NAACP to do an East Akron and Middlebury neighborhood cleanup and planting at our properties. Our residents can now beautiful plants as they enter the lobby to their apartments. Thank you to NeighborWorks, The Big Love Network in Akron, and The Akron NAACP for volunteering, donating, and educating us on how to take care of our environments together.
