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Kemp Boyd and Love Akron: A Unified Effort for Community Impact

Update Kemp Boyd's Mission to Transform AkronKemp Boyd, alongside his wife Stacy, embarked on a profound journey of community care when they adopted a child through Summit County's kinship care program in 2016. His experiences as a passionate advocate for local youth now culminate in his role as the Executive Director of Love Akron, a nonprofit that fosters collaboration and support throughout the region. Since his tenure began in 2019, Boyd has crafted the organization's vision, integrating critical programs like the 306 Initiative, which aims to significantly increase the number of available foster homes in Summit County.Addressing a Pressing Needs in the CommunityWith over 800 children in the custody of Summit County Children Services and only about 120 foster homes available, Boyd's work is vital. The statistics are alarming: 53.4 percent of kids in care are placed outside the county due to a lack of local homes. Through partnerships with local champions like Kathleen and Ron Paydo, who have fostered over 200 children themselves, Boyd and Love Akron strive to generate awareness and recruit more families to join the cause. As Ron Paydo shared, "Kemp and the Love Akron team are doing an incredible job of creating awareness, helping people understand the issues and the challenges." The Paydos have become beacons of hope themselves, coaching new foster parents through the onboarding process.Innovative Programs Promoting Positive ChangeBeyond foster care, Love Akron spearheads initiatives like the Locker Room Experience in Akron's public high schools, designed to promote mentorship and student leadership. Additionally, the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Experience created following George Floyd's death enables participants to engage with issues of racism through active discussion and reflection. Recognizing the importance of mental health, the organization trained over 1,000 individuals in Mental Health First Aid, enhancing the community's capability to support one another in times of need.The Spirit of Collaboration: Bridging Divides in AkronSince its founding, Love Akron has united churches and community organizations under the OneCity framework, a collaborative effort that emphasizes understanding between diverse populations in the county. Boyd envisions a Greater Akron where everyone participates in uplifting one another, regardless of their differences. “Better together,” he maintains, urging community members to engage and contribute actively. This spirit of empathy and collaboration is vital as the organization moves forward to meet the needs of residents in transformative ways.Given the ongoing and multifaceted issues faced by families in our community, supporting initiatives like Love Akron is essential for fostering long-lasting positive changes. Join hands with local families and organizations, and discover how you can contribute to making a greater impact in Akron.