Broken Chains Ministry

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Broken Chains Ministry Restorative Justice ministry providing workforce development, women's residential recovery, and outreach programs. Urbean Cafe. Lydia's Home.

Outreach & Mentoring. brokenchainsministry.org Broken Chains Ministry is a reputable Restorative Justice nonprofit based in Akron, Ohio celebrating 20 years of excellence. GuideStar Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency recipient. Urbean Cafe workforce development, Lydia's Home recovery residence, and outreach programs. www.brokenchainsministry.org

Can you imagine a world where each of us were striving to communicate in a way that builds others up and offers grace? T...
09/02/2026

Can you imagine a world where each of us were striving to communicate in a way that builds others up and offers grace?

That is what Paul has asked us to do in his letter to the Ephesians. He is asking us to remember that a relationship with God must guide our communications. As recipients of grace, we must use our words, whether spoken or written, to build others up and offer grace.

Have you ever offered words of grace, and suddenly the whole day changed? Perhaps a few kind words of patience and encouragement to the new cashier at your local grocer who is still learning the technology, a few kind words of understanding to an angry child, or some gentle words of affection to a dear friend?

Paul is reminding us that our words have the power to heal or harm. We experience that every day, don't we? Sometimes, words of grace can be life-changing. How can we transform our communications to build others up today?

Did you know today's the 25th annual Overdose Awareness Day? Overdose is preventable, yet it remains a serious health cr...
08/31/2026

Did you know today's the 25th annual Overdose Awareness Day? Overdose is preventable, yet it remains a serious health crisis.

Ohio is on a mission to coordinate multi-sector, statewide efforts to prevent drug overdose deaths through the Ohio Overdose Prevention Network (Ohio OPN).

Ohio OPN is implementing a strategic plan that supports responsible prescribing, promotes practices to reduce harm, enforces evidence-based policy, and improves the utilization of data and infrastructure.

The Ohio OPN welcomes new members. Learn more about Ohio's strategies and how you can get involved using this website, or by calling 614-466-2144.

odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/violence-injury-prevention-program/resources/ohio-overdose-prevention-network

Did you know that downtown Akron's Urbean Cafe is a real-world workforce development program? Established 15 years ago a...
08/31/2026

Did you know that downtown Akron's Urbean Cafe is a real-world workforce development program? Established 15 years ago and located within the Metro Transit Center, Urbean Cafe employs, trains, and mentors formerly-incarcerated citizens while serving up some of the best coffee and cafe-style food in town.

Though the average recidivism rate for former offenders is 43% within one year, it plummets to less than 2% for UC participants of 90 days or more. As a result, successful employees have saved Ohio taxpayers more than $6 million in penitentiary costs since 2011.

Because of the Cafe's commitment to the Akron community, including its choice of local suppliers and coffee roasters, the Cafe has generated more than $10 million in economic impact.

That's the power of Restorative Justice.

By supporting the whole person and holding folks accountable, Urbean Cafe employees learn valuable, transferable skills that restore confidence and set them up to achieve lasting change while making a difference in the community.

So, grab a bite and meet our team by dropping by 631 South Broadway St., 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Try our freshly-roasted coffee and famous homemade carrot cake, or pick up a Meatball Sub, BLT, or a delish Pizza.

Grab our menu at brokenchainsministry.org/urbean-cafe. We look forward to serving you!

You know what makes our hearts burst with joy? Baptisms! Dennis facilitated baptisms for Jessica and Aleah, as they prof...
08/11/2026

You know what makes our hearts burst with joy? Baptisms! Dennis facilitated baptisms for Jessica and Aleah, as they professed faith in Jesus, rejected sin, and welcomed the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. God's love is extravagant, and we celebrate this miraculous milestone with the brave ladies at Lydia's Home.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)

Baptism...now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:21-22)

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves, or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Please join us in praying for these ladies as they go forward in faith.

Welcome to our newest sponsor, Kerns Roofing & Restoration! They provide reliable, high-quality roofing solutions to hom...
08/03/2026

Welcome to our newest sponsor, Kerns Roofing & Restoration! They provide reliable, high-quality roofing solutions to homeowners and businesses across Northeast Ohio. They have years of experience, understand the unique challenges of Ohio weather, and provide a wide array of services from certified contractors, ranging from simple repairs to full replacements.

Learn how sponsorship makes a difference for Ohio families and communities and meet all of our valued sponsors at www.brokenchainsministry.org/sponsors

Thank you, Kerns Roofing & Restoration, for your support!

Congratulations, Aleah! Aleah established a new bank account! Now, she can manage her budget, save for the future, and b...
07/27/2026

Congratulations, Aleah! Aleah established a new bank account! Now, she can manage her budget, save for the future, and begin reestablishing credit. This is a huge accomplishment and we are SO PROUD of her!

We also celebrated Aleah's baptism on June 28, a special day in so many ways, as it was also the 28th anniversary of Dennis’ ordination.

We are so thankful to God for his extravagant love and mercy.

Keep up the good work, Aleah! Your future is looking bright!

Have you tried our amazing Philly Cheese Steak at Urbean Cafe? Fresh off the griddle, this *BIG BITE* sammie is tough to...
07/17/2026

Have you tried our amazing Philly Cheese Steak at Urbean Cafe? Fresh off the griddle, this *BIG BITE* sammie is tough to eat, and worth every bite! Don't want to cook tonight? Drop by 631 South Broadway St. in Akron, duck into the Metro Transit Center to pick one of these up along with an icy-cold Coca-Cola. Or, try the Chicken Philly, the Awesome Burger, or a fresh, hot Pepperoni Pizza. It's Friday. We've got you covered.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Here, Paul calls us to ...
07/10/2026

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 Here, Paul calls us to support one another with Christ-like love.

The Greek word for burden is baros, which means a heavy, crushing, or overwhelming weight; something too heavy for one person to carry alone.

We are not meant to carry life's heavy burdens alone.

In our Ministry, we help carry each other's burdens by:
- Being emotionally present.
- Sharing the load of extraordinary burdens.
- And, encouraging others while also holding them accountable.

Who needs your strength and love to carry their burden today?

CONGRATULATIONS, Jessica! Jessica earned her driver's license and bought a car! With her job at Urbean Cafe, she has bee...
06/25/2026

CONGRATULATIONS, Jessica! Jessica earned her driver's license and bought a car!

With her job at Urbean Cafe, she has been able to save money toward the purchase of this adorable car. (We helped a little.)

Now, Jessica has greater independence and reliable transportation to and from work, church, appointments, and family visits.

We are so proud of Jessica's achievements at Lydia's Home in only 5 months.

At Lydia's Home, we strive to help our clients overcome past problems and destructive patterns, mentor them in discipleship, and help them overcome barriers to long-term success.

Congratulations, Jessica! You're doing great!

Special thanks to The Christ Foundation, Akron Bar Foundation, and Akron Community Foundation Op**te Healing Grant for additional funding to help Jessica.

Address

P. O. Box 502
Akron, OH
44309

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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