The year certainly has flown by – 2025 was a whirlwind! I am grateful this year for so much work that has been accomplished in our programs both existing programs and areas where we were able to expand in 2024 and 2025. Our largest project in our history of 16 new homes in Akron made huge strides in 2025. The first volunteer group started there in May 2024 and by December 2025 we will have completed 12 of the 16 homes! By early 2026 all 16 homes will be finished and families will be safe and secure in their homes. A herculean effort by so many to thank in this historic project!
For our home repair program we will have served a record number of families, close to 120 using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding from both the State of Ohio and the City of Akron. We have helped families with critical infrastructure of their homes and systems to keep them warm, safe and dry.
Another milestone was our first ever direct grant from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) for the Older Adult Home Modification program and we are working with our healthcare and community partners to serve 120 older adults in a 3 year period with accessibility improvement to their homes to help them navigate living independently. Engaging a licensed Occupational Therapist in this process has help us to understand the needs of homeowners 65 and older that wish to remain in their homes.
As we bring 2025 to a close, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County is going through a significant leadership transition. We are excited, and sad at the same time, to bid farewell to Drew Hall, our Vice President & Chief Development Officer who has been named the new Executive Director of the Medina County Habitat for Humanity. Overjoyed, thrilled and proud are words I would describe this opportunity for Drew. He will be missed by our staff, donors, volunteers, partner families and everyone who knows Drew I know wishes him well. With this change, Marissa Little will be elevated to Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and 5 other Directors will join Marissa and I in leadership of the affiliate. New staff leadership roles include:
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- Maurice Woolridge, Director of ReStore
- Loretta Stevens, Director of Finance
- Briana Cantrell, Director of Family Services
- Zalinia Cole, Director of Development
- Jessica Goldbourn, Director of Community Engagement
Please join me in celebrating with Drew as well as all the staff that have been promoted from within to take on a position that will help us be more effective and efficient with every dollar raised and every service we provide to families who come through our doors.
It’s an honor to have lead Habitat for Humanity of Summit County for almost 20 full years! In April 2026 our affiliate will celebrate 40 years as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. I can’t believe I’ve been here for half of those years. And even more humbling is that some of the first families I built homes with 20 years ago are beginning to pay off their mortgages! That’s truly full circle and what a blessing to work someone you love and enjoy. To the board of trustee members over the years, thank you for continuing to believe in me and my leadership and seeing my vision for what the little affiliate at 1177 Rosemary Blvd. could do and how we could make a difference in so many lives in Summit County and globally with our Tithe to Malawi, Africa.
Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with blessed memories.