Barberton Community Foundation

10/13/2026

A job provides a paycheck. A career can change the future of an individual, a family, and even a community.

A career offers more than employment. It creates opportunities to develop skills, increase earning potential, advance professionally, and build long-term financial stability. For families, that can mean greater security, more choices, and opportunities for the next generation.

That's why Career Pathways and Workforce Development is one of Barberton Community Foundation's strategic priorities.

We're working alongside Barberton City School District, local businesses, industry leaders, and community partners to help young people and adults discover career possibilities and build the skills to pursue them.

We want Barberton students to see that meaningful, well-paying careers are possible right here in Summit County. And we want local employers to have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow and succeed.

Today, we're thanking six of our 2026 Annual Dinner Strategic Impact Sponsors who chose to direct their support toward Career Pathways and Workforce Development.

💜 Development Finance Authority of Summit County
💜 Helen Scott Realty
💜 Jobs for Ohio's Graduates
💜 Sue Macko Cianciola
💜 Summit Construction
💜 Wright Tool

These sponsors recognize that investing in workforce development is also an investment in families, local businesses, and Barberton's economic future.

Thank you for helping us build connections between education, industry, and opportunity. We're grateful for your partnership and your belief in Barberton's future!



Helen Scott Custom Builders, Inc.

10/13/2026

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO OUR KIDS NEED?

Think about the experiences that shaped you growing up. Maybe it was a coach who believed in you, a club where you made lifelong friends, a summer job that taught you responsibility, or an activity that helped you discover something you were good at.

Those experiences stick with us. And we want Barberton's kids to have those same opportunities to explore, try new things, make friends, and find their interests.

Young people spend about 80% of their time outside of school. That's a lot of time for experiences that can make a difference!

So, what do Barberton's kids actually want to do?

Recently, Barberton Community Foundation brought together representatives from Youth Success Summit (YSS), Barberton City School District, and local community organizations to talk about that very question.

YSS conducted a study of after-school and summer opportunities in Barberton, and one of the most important parts was hearing directly from students. 230 Barberton students in grades 6–8 shared their interests and the activities they'd like to try.

Sports and physical activities topped the list! Students clearly value opportunities to get moving, play, and be active.

But they had plenty of other ideas, too. Cooking, gaming and digital media, creative arts, nature and animals, and hands-on activities all came up. In focus groups, students talked about performing arts, trying something new, and just having places to spend time with friends.

And our high school students? They emphasized practical experiences like learning life skills, exploring careers, and finding paid work opportunities.

Some of the interests surprised our Board and staff. That's exactly why it's so important to ask young people instead of assuming we already know what they want!

Of course, wanting to participate and being able to participate aren't always the same thing.
Students talked about transportation, costs, busy schedules, and sometimes not even knowing what programs are available.

Shay Wood, Program Coach with YSS, also shared what her team heard from Barberton organizations. Many already offer great programs and want to reach more young people. But connecting with families, spreading the word, and getting kids involved can be challenging.

There's an opportunity here to connect the dots.

Barberton Community Foundation can help bring organizations together, strengthen programs already serving our kids, and support new opportunities where there are gaps.

This research was made possible through grant funding from Barberton Community Foundation, with the support of our Board of Directors, and Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation. We appreciate their shared commitment to helping Barberton's young people thrive, and we thank the YSS team for doing the research and, most importantly, listening to our students.

NOW WE'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

What do the young people in your life wish they could do in Barberton? Maybe it's something we already have but need to make easier to access. Or maybe it's something completely new.

Parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, neighbors, and young people, we'd like to hear your ideas!

Share your thoughts in the comments. We're listening!





Sokol Club
TomTod Ideas
Barberton Middle School
Barberton High School

10/13/2026

What if we could better predict whether children will be ready for kindergarten, and use that knowledge to help change their trajectory?

That’s part of the work Barberton Community Foundation is exploring through its Early Learning initiative.

Research conducted by Dr. Matt Deevers, founder and CEO of Dimensions Consulting and former Executive Director of Summit Education Initiative, examines how community conditions influence kindergarten readiness and later educational outcomes.

The important takeaway is that these outcomes aren’t inevitable. When we understand the factors that shape children’s development, we can make more informed decisions about where and how to support them.

And that’s where programs like this one at Barberton Public Library can help build the foundation for kindergarten readiness. Stories, play, hands-on learning, and interaction with other children help develop the early literacy, social, emotional, and physical skills that contribute to school success.

We’re encouraged to see community partners creating more opportunities for young children and families. The earlier we support children’s development, the more opportunities we create for them to thrive in school and beyond.

Save the date for the next storytime in November!

Barberton Public Library

Barberton Community Foundation

Summit Education Initiative

Barberton Library is hosting a series to help families prepare children for kindergarten.

Prepare your child for kindergarten with this hands-on, fun storytime. Through engaging stories, crafts, and activities, we will explore a variety of school readiness skills, including early literacy skills, practicing listening and sharing, strengthening motor skills, and more.

This program is open to children ages 3-5.

Sat. October 10 - Color Splash

Sat. November 14 - The Shape of Things

Sat. December 12 - 1,2,3 Read With Me

Registration:

https://events.barbertonlibrary.org/event/16909224

10/11/2026

💜 1 DAY. 9 STOPS. YOUR GROUP OF 6. 💜

What if you could experience Barberton in a way you never have before?

We're talking behind-the-scenes access, one-of-a-kind tastings, hands-on experiences, and conversations with the people who make the Magic City special.

Introducing BARBERTON BITES, SIPS & MAGIC MOMENTS, an exclusive auction experience featuring nine Barberton businesses, each offering something you can't simply walk in and purchase!

On Saturday, May 22, 2027, one lucky group of six will spend the day discovering Barberton through its food, history, traditions, and people. We've even arranged party bus transportation so the adventure can reach beyond downtown to more of the places that make our community unique.

👕 FIRST UP, THE OFFICIAL ADVENTURE SHIRT!

Every guest will receive a special “I Explored the Magic City” keepsake shirt featuring all nine stops along the route. It's a wearable souvenir of a day filled with Barberton memories!

The shirts are compliments of Barberton Community Foundation's Community Engagement Committee, chaired by Theresa Osborne, with members Ann Hutchison, Kathy Maybin, Bob McDonald, and Deb Shreiner. Special thanks also to community volunteer Sue Macko Cianciola for helping bring this experience together!

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The online auction opens October 22 and closes October 29 at 8:45 p.m. during the Foundation's Annual Dinner. You do not have to attend the dinner to bid or win!

Between now and October 22, we'll introduce you to each of the nine stops and give you a sneak peek at the exclusive experiences waiting for the winning bidders.

Nine stops. One unforgettable Saturday. A celebration of everything that makes Barberton, Barberton.

💜 Stay tuned! The Magic City adventure is just getting started!

10/09/2026

Thank you to GPD Group and Summa Health for supporting Barberton Community Foundation’s 2026 Annual Dinner as Strategic Impact Sponsors, with their sponsorships designated toward Scholarships! 💜

Education opens doors to opportunity, and scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways the Foundation invests in Barberton’s future.

In 2026, Barberton Community Foundation awarded nearly half a million dollars in scholarships to 53 Barberton High School students, helping them pursue education and career goals beyond graduation. These scholarships include renewable awards and our new On-Campus Housing Scholarship, designed to help students overcome financial barriers and complete their education.

The Foundation also offers scholarships for adults pursuing additional education, professional credentials, and workforce training, creating opportunities for Barberton residents at different stages of their careers.

These investments help remove financial barriers, expand access to education, and strengthen Barberton's future workforce.

We are grateful to GPD Group and Summa Health for recognizing the lasting impact of scholarships and choosing to support this important work. 💜

🎉 Join us for Barberton Community Foundation’s Annual Dinner!

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
📍 John S. Knight Center, Akron
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
🚗 Complimentary parking in the garage attached to the venue.

Celebrate Barberton’s Best, learn more about the Foundation’s impact, and help build momentum for the future of our community.

🎟️ Reserve your seat today!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2anndin/event/202anndinreganspocop/

10/09/2026

At Barberton Community Foundation, one of our core values is Elevate, and that means investing in ideas, partnerships, and opportunities that help Barberton reach its full potential. 💜

As a funder of the City of Barberton’s Master Plan update, the Foundation recognizes the importance of thoughtful planning that honors our community’s unique character while creating opportunities for future growth and revitalization.

A strong plan begins with community input. We encourage everyone who lives, works, or has a connection to Barberton to share their ideas and help shape our city's future.

Make your voice heard! Take the survey at http://tinyurl.com/Barberton-survey and encourage others to participate

The City of Barberton is creating a new Master Plan, our first in 20 years, and we want to hear from YOU! Join us at the first open house on Tuesday, October 20th from 5:30-7:30 at Ignite Brewing Co. to share your thoughts on the future of Barberton.

Your voice is needed to create a plan that addresses issues & opportunities related to housing, parks, economic development, and more, while maintaining the Barberton we all know and love!

Can’t wait for the open house? Let your voice be heard now by taking the survey: Tinyurl.com/Barberton-survey

10/09/2026

We're proud to support Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio to help Barberton's older adults access nutritious meals and maintain their health, independence, and quality of life at home.

We’re grateful to Barberton Community Foundation for its continued support of Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio!

We were recently awarded a $5,000 grant, which will help us provide nutritious meals to older adults in Barberton, ensuring more local neighbors have access to the meals they need to remain well and independent at home. Thank you, Barberton Community Foundation, for investing in our community and helping us make a meaningful difference for local older adults. We’re proud to have you as a partner!

10/08/2026

Thank you to Denny Liddle, Raymond James, for investing in Downtown Barberton!

Barberton Community Foundation is proud to recognize Denny Liddle, Raymond James, as a Strategic Impact Sponsor of our 2026 Annual Dinner!

Denny has been a generous supporter of Barberton and its community events for years, and we're especially grateful that he has chosen to direct his sponsorship toward Downtown Revitalization, one of the Foundation's four strategic priorities.

Downtown Barberton is at the heart of what makes our community special. Its historic buildings, locally owned businesses, restaurants, and gathering places give our city a character all its own. Through building rehabilitation grants, business development initiatives, and community partnerships, the Foundation is investing in a stronger, more vibrant downtown while preserving the character that makes Barberton unique.

Thank you, Denny, for your continued generosity, your commitment to Barberton, and your investment in the future of our downtown! 💜

🎟️ There's still time to join us for Celebrating Barberton's Best!

Tickets for Barberton Community Foundation's Annual Dinner are available through **October 22**.

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
📍 John S. Knight Center, Akron
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
🚗 Free parking for our guests in the garage connected to the venue!

Reserve your tickets today!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2anndin/event/202anndinreganspocop/



Raymond James Financial Services, Barberton - Ohio An Independent Practice

10/08/2026

💜 A BIG THANK YOU TO JLP DEVELOPMENT, LLC! 💜

We are thrilled to recognize JLP Development, LLC as our $5,000 Award Recipients Celebration Sponsor for Barberton Community Foundation’s 2026 Annual Dinner!

This generous sponsorship helps make one of the most meaningful parts of our evening possible as we celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment are making a difference in Barberton.

Our Game Changer and Blooming Impact Awards recognize people and organizations who go above and beyond to strengthen our community, inspire others, and help Barberton thrive. Thanks to JLP Development’s generosity, we can give these outstanding community members the recognition they deserve.

Thank you, JLP Development, LLC, for investing in Barberton, supporting the Foundation, and helping us celebrate Barberton’s best! We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our community.

🎟️ YOU CAN STILL JOIN THE CELEBRATION!

Tickets are available through October 22, and we hope you'll be part of this special evening!

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
📍 John S. Knight Center, Akron
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
🚗 Complimentary parking for our guests in the attached parking garage.

Reserve your tickets today!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2anndin/event/202anndinreganspocop/

💜

10/08/2026

Thank you to our Believe in Barberton Sponsors! 💜

A special thank you to Jennifer Bidlingmyer, Barberton Kiwanis, Summit County Land Bank, Josh and Tara Gordon, and Allen Seremak for supporting Barberton Community Foundation’s 2026 Annual Dinner!

Your generosity reflects a shared commitment to Barberton and the people, programs, and opportunities that make our community stronger. We are grateful for your support and proud to celebrate with you!

🎟️ There’s still time to get your tickets! Join us for an evening celebrating Barberton’s best, recognizing outstanding community members and organizations, and sharing the impact of the Foundation’s work.

📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
📍 John S. Knight Center, Akron
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
🚗 **Free parking for our guests** in the parking garage connected to the venue!

Reserve your tickets today!
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2anndin/event/202anndinreganspocop/