United We Stand Ministries of Akron awarded grant to expand services for families in need

Monday, July 6, 2026 at 8:46 AM

By Staff report

NICF Interns Ella McCarter and Sophia McCall, FCCF Director of Development Brian Johnson, Byron Tinkey, United We Stand Ministries of Akron Board President Bonnie Dunbar, Cris Randall, and Ryan Gast.

United We Stand Ministries of Akron (UWS) is expanding its ability to serve families throughout the Akron area thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Fulton County Community Foundation.

The funding will support the construction of an additional storage shed, helping the organization better meet the growing needs of individuals and families facing hardship.

In recent years, UWS has struggled with storage limitations for larger donated items such as packages of toilet paper, cereal, and other bulk goods. The lack of storage space restricts the amount of supplies the organization can distribute and limits the number of clients they can accommodate. The project will also include a private patio area, where new clients can complete registration and enrollment in a more comfortable and confidential setting.

In 2025, UWS served 2,752 people in and around the Akron community through its food pantry and assistance programs. They provide a self-serve shopping experience, where registered households can monthly select groceries, hygiene products, pantry staples, and medical supplies. Beyond food assistance, the organization also helps neighbors facing financial challenges by providing support for rent, utilities, and other emergency needs.

“We do it for the love of our community,” says UWS Board President, Bonnie Dunbar.

Community members who wish to support projects like this can contribute to the Community Foundation's community fund. For a limited time, all donations made to the fund will be tripled, allowing supporters to make an even greater impact on local nonprofits and community initiatives.

To donate or learn more, contact Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development Brian Johnson at 574.224.3223 or visit www.nicf.org.