Community Empowerment
Strengthening neighborhoods by meeting immediate needs while building long-term connection, safety, and pride.
Neighborhood Engagement
Community Outreach Initiatives
Our Community Outreach Initiatives meet immediate needs while building long-term connection throughout the neighborhood. From seasonal support to large-scale community gatherings, these outreach efforts bring people together, strengthen relationships, and ensure families feel supported—not forgotten.
These events create welcoming spaces where neighbors connect, resources are shared, and barriers to basic necessities are reduced.
Outreach Efforts Include:
- Coat and winter gear drives
- Clothing distribution events
- Small household appliance giveaways
- Monthly outreach alongside our food pantry services
- Annual Food Truck Festival bringing families together for food, fun, and community engagement
- Jewett Park Community Events, including free barbecues and neighborhood gatherings
- Community picnics open to all residents
- Neighborhood resource fairs connecting families to services and information
- Opportunities for residents to learn about programs, health resources, and local support systems
Through these outreach efforts, LINKS continues to build trust, promote unity, and respond to real community needs, showing families that support is accessible and that no one in our neighborhood has to stand alone.
Outreach Efforts Include:
- Coat and winter gear drives
- Clothing distribution events
- Small household appliance giveaways
- Monthly outreach alongside our food pantry services
- Annual Food Truck Festival bringing families together for food, fun, and community engagement
- Jewett Park Community Events, including free barbecues and neighborhood gatherings
- Community picnics open to all residents
- Neighborhood resource fairs connecting families to services and information
- Opportunities for residents to learn about programs, health resources, and local support systems
Through these outreach efforts, LINKS continues to build trust, promote unity, and respond to real community needs, showing families that support is accessible and that no one in our neighborhood has to stand alone.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Community Beautification Project
We believe a thriving community should also be a beautiful one. The Community Beautification Project revitalizes public spaces, encourages neighborhood pride, and creates a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
- Planting flowers and seasonal greenery throughout neighborhood spaces
- Supporting and maintaining community gardens
- Providing plants and materials for residents to participate in gardening efforts
- Organizing neighborhood clean-up activities
- Removing litter and debris from streets and public areas
- Encouraging residents, youth, and volunteers to take part in beautification days
By improving the physical environment, we also strengthen community morale, safety, and connection. When people see care invested in their surroundings, they feel more motivated to care for their neighborhood and for one another.
Community Safety & Awareness
Neighborhood Watch Program
The Neighborhood Watch Program strengthens community safety through partnership, awareness, and collaboration. Working alongside local residents and law enforcement, this initiative empowers neighbors to look out for one another while building a more connected and secure Middlebury community.
By sharing information, discussing concerns, and developing solutions together, residents become active participants in protecting their neighborhood.
3rd Tuesday of Each Month
Open Door Assembly of God Church
- Held every third Tuesday of the month
- Location: Open Door Assembly of God Church
- Meetings begin with Friends of Jewett Park 4:30-5:00 pm, followed by the Neighborhood Watch session from 5:00 - 6:00 pm
- Officer Starks and local law enforcement partners regularly attend to provide:
- Community safety updates
- Crime awareness information
- Prevention tips
- Open dialogue with residents
This program not only improves neighborhood awareness but also builds trust between residents and public safety partners - creating a stronger, safer, and more united community.
3rd Tuesday of Each Month
Open Door Assembly of God Church
- Held every third Tuesday of the month
- Location: Open Door Assembly of God Church
- Meetings begin with Friends of Jewette Park updates, followed by the Neighborhood Watch session
- Officer Starks and local law enforcement partners regularly attend to provide:
- Community safety updates
- Crime awareness information
- Prevention tips
- Open dialogue with residents
This program not only improves neighborhood awareness but also builds trust between residents and public safety partners - creating a stronger, safer, and more united community.
Community Holiday Support
Holiday Assistance Program
During the holiday season, LINKS works to ensure that no family in our community goes without the essentials needed to celebrate with dignity and joy. Our Holiday Assistance Program provides seasonal support to families facing financial hardship during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Through community partnerships, donations, and volunteer support, we help relieve the emotional and financial stress that holidays can bring.
Families sign up in advance to receive support, allowing us to serve those with the greatest need in an organized and caring way.
Thanksgiving Assistance
- Holiday food support for families in need
- Distribution of traditional Thanksgiving meal items
- Ensuring families can prepare a warm holiday meal at home
Christmas Assistance
- Toy distribution for children
- Gifts to place under the tree for families experiencing hardship
- Bringing joy, hope, and celebration to children during the holiday season
This program not only provides material assistance, but also reminds families that their community sees them, values them, and stands beside them - especially during meaningful times of the year.
Thanksgiving Assistance
- Holiday food support for families in need
- Distribution of traditional Thanksgiving meal items
- Ensuring families can prepare a warm holiday meal at home
Christmas Assistance
- Toy distribution for children
- Gifts to place under the tree for families experiencing hardship
- Bringing joy, hope, and celebration to children during the holiday season
This program not only provides material assistance, but also reminds families that their community sees them, values them, and stands beside them - especially during meaningful times of the year.
Getting Connected is Simple
We believe access to great programs shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s how to get your child started.
Reach Out
Call us, email, or stop by 756 Upson Street, Akron.
Find the Right Fit
Our team walks you through available programs and matches your child with the right one.
Meet the Community
Your child meets program leaders, gets oriented, and starts feeling at home.
Watch Them Grow
Your child begins their journey, learning, connecting, and becoming.
Ready to take the first step?
LINKS Serves the Whole Family
Early Childhood & Family Support
Support for young children, parents, and caregivers from birth through early school years.
Senior
Connection
Engaging programs and support designed for our elder community members.
Youth Development
Safe, supportive, and engaging programs that help young people grow into confident leaders.
Early Childhood & Family Support
Support for young children, parents, and caregivers from birth through early school years.
Senior Connection
Engaging programs and support designed for our elder community members.
Youth Development
Safe, supportive, and engaging programs that help young people grow into confident leaders.