10/14/2026
NEXT Class 15 | Health & Social Services Day
What does a healthy community really look like?
It's more than having programs and services available. It's ensuring people can access the care, resources, relationships, and support they need to thrive.
That was at the heart of NEXT Class 15's Health & Social Services Day, as participants experienced firsthand the people, organizations, and partnerships working to strengthen the well-being of Greater Akron.
From disaster preparedness and food insecurity to survivor advocacy, culturally responsive services, housing instability, and behavioral health, each experience offered a different perspective on the challenges our neighbors face and the collaborative work happening to address them.
At the American Red Cross, the class explored the importance of preparedness, response, and volunteer engagement. Conversations with The Salvation Army, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, and Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center highlighted how access to basic needs, safety, and support can make a difference for individuals and families.
At Jin Huo Community, participants learned how Asian Services in Action (ASIA) and Jin Huo Community connect people with culturally responsive services and meaningful community relationships.
A visit to ACCESS Shelter offered a closer look at housing instability and the importance of supportive services, while the day's closing panel, "Beyond the Need: What Does a Healthy Community Look Like?", brought together perspectives from community health, behavioral health, and social services.
Different organizations. Different areas of expertise. Different approaches.
But one important truth connected them all: No organization can do this work alone.
A healthy community is built through awareness, access, trust, collaboration, and people willing to recognize that the well-being of our neighbors is connected to the well-being of us all.
And for NEXT 15, the experience was an opportunity to consider how their own time, talent, treasure, and ties can contribute to the work already happening throughout Greater Akron.
A special thank-you to our hosts at the American Red Cross, Jin Huo Community Senior Center and ASIA Inc., and ACCESS Shelter for welcoming the class and creating meaningful opportunities to learn and connect.
We are grateful to all the leaders who shared their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout the day:
Rachel Stine – Executive Director, Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley Chapter, American Red Cross
Sam Campana – Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross
Katie Bensinger – Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, American Red Cross
Elizabeth Kargbo – Director of Development, The Salvation Army
Claudia Dzordzormenyoh – Director, Network Partners and Programs, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Teresa Stafford – Executive Director, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
Alice Zhang – Program Manager, Jin Huo Community, Inc.
Mary Dee – Program Specialist/Bilingual Community Outreach Worker/ESOL Instructor, Asian Services in Action (ASIA)
Harry Kamdar – CEO, Asian Services in Action (ASIA)
Jackie Hemsworth – Executive Director, ACCESS Shelter
Kimberly Meals, MEd, LPCC-S – Chief Clinical Officer, Community Support Services
Robert Maddox – Health Center Administrator, AxessPointe
Shelly Hinton – Chief Operating Officer, Red Oak Behavioral Health
Christopher J. Richardson, M.Ed., LPC, LICDC-CS – Executive Director, Continuum of Care
And a special thank-you to Jennifer Black, NEXT 14, for her support of the program day.
Because meaningful leadership isn't simply about understanding the needs of our community. It's about building relationships, expanding perspectives, and discovering where we can contribute to making Greater Akron stronger together.
