Over the past four decades, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) has managed to do just that with its investments in the people and neighborhoods of Summit and Stark counties. In celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary, staff members have compiled statistics indicating their tremendous accomplishments, including those highlighted below.
“We were always this little best-kept secret, but now the word is out. It’s incredible, and the future is unlimited,” says EANDC board chair David Buchanan, a district manager at the Ohio-based U.S. Bank.
In 1982, community organizers Grady Appleton and Cazzell Smith, Jr. filed for articles of incorporation based on a desire to see historically underinvested communities thrive. With their initial $25 investment, the newly formed nonprofit began living into the co-founders’ motto, claiming “we dare to be great” with a bold vision to strengthen communities by helping residents access the American dream of homeownership.
During the 80s and 90s, EANDC launched the first of many energy efficiency programs, low-income housing tax credit programs, property management, and lead abatement services. In the 2000s, they would expand to commercial property investments, senior and veteran housing, homeownership education and
More recently, EANDC’s pursuit of greatness has reached new heights under the strategic leadership of president and CEO Cheryl Stephens, hired in 2018 after Appleton’s retirement. “The spirit that started EANDC lives on, and it will continue working hard into the future,” Stephens says, expressing appreciation for all of the community partners and donors who make their work possible.
This includes community partners like the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), who will provide social services for the families residing in EANDC’s IPromise Housing apartments that broke ground earlier this year.
According to LJFF executive director Michelle Campbell, “when we met [EANDC] and learned about what they're providing in Akron, as it relates to housing — affordable, safe housing — we knew right away they were a partner for us for life … We have 100% trust in how they manage their properties, how they build, and how they involve the families in the process.”
EANDC's staff, board of directors, volunteers, and community partners will come together on Thursday, August 18th, to celebrate the dreams they have turned into reality over the past 40 years.
Visit eandc.org to learn more about EANDC’s legacy of housing for all and the upcoming 40th Anniversary “Totally 80s House Party.” You can also use this event page link to donate or purchase tickets to the sustainability fundraiser.