Partner Spotlight: United Way of Summit & Medina

United Way of Summit & Medina is on a mission to create lasting, measurable change for children and families across northeast Ohio. Serving both Summit and Medina counties, the organization takes a bold approach to addressing root causes of poverty and inequity—whether it’s reducing infant mortality, expanding access to early learning, or connecting families to financial and health resources. By working with schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders, United Way of Summit & Medina is helping to build a stronger, more equitable future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We’re proud to partner with United Way of Summit & Medina in this work and to spotlight their commitment to improving outcomes for Ohio’s youngest children and families.

Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Where are you located? Who do you serve and what do you focus on?

A: United Way of Summit & Medina is based in Akron, Ohio, and serves both Summit and Medina counties. We focus on creating lasting, measurable change through our Bold Goals, which include improving education, financial empowerment, health, and reducing infant mortality. Our work centers on addressing root causes, not just symptoms, by connecting families to resources and building strong community partnerships.

Q. When was your organization founded, and what inspired your mission?

A. United Way of Summit County was founded in 1918, and in 2020 we merged with United Way of Medina County to form United Way of Summit & Medina. For more than 100 years, our mission has been inspired by the belief that communities thrive when every individual has the opportunity to succeed. Our work is driven by the voices of the people we serve and the understanding that systemic challenges require collective solutions.

Q. What’s a recent project, program, or win that you're especially proud of?

A. We are especially proud of our work to reduce infant mortality through Bold Goal 4. Using evidence-based data, we expanded access to maternal health monitoring by partnering with Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General to distribute blood pressure cuffs to women at risk. These simple, effective tools help detect complications early, reduce severe maternal morbidity, and prevent infant deaths.

Q. What’s one issue you're keeping a close eye on right now?

A. Across Ohio and here in Summit County, families face barriers to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning. Limited availability of child care and early learning like pre-k prevents parents from working and makes it harder for children to start school ready to succeed. We are focused on building partnerships that expand child care access and strengthen early learning for Ohio’s youngest residents.

Q. How do you partner with families and communities in your work?

A. Our Family Resource Centers are embedded in Akron Public Schools, creating safe, welcoming spaces where parents and caregivers can access basic needs support, health and wellness programs, financial coaching, and more. We believe in co-designing solutions with families, listening to their experiences, and elevating community voices to shape programming that meets real needs.

Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?

A. We connected with Groundwork Ohio through our shared commitment to improving outcomes for young children and families. Their advocacy and policy expertise align closely with our efforts to reduce infant mortality and strengthen family stability, making them a natural partner in this work.

Q. What do you wish more people understood about the families you serve or the work you do?

A. We wish more people understood that families are resilient and resourceful, but many face systemic barriers that make it difficult to thrive. Our work isn’t about giving out handouts; it’s about breaking down barriers, creating access, and walking alongside families as they pursue stability and opportunity.

Q. How do you work with other organizations or community partners to create change?

A. Collaboration is at the heart of our model. We partner with schools, healthcare systems, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to align resources and expertise. By bringing these sectors together, we can address interconnected issues like health, housing, and financial stability, in a holistic way.

Q. What keeps your team inspired or grounded in this work?

A. Our inspiration comes from the families we serve and the progress we see every day- from a parent completing financial coaching and buying their first home, to a baby reaching their first birthday against all odds. These stories remind us that change is possible and worth fighting for.

Q. Why is advocacy important to your work?

A. Advocacy is essential because systemic problems require systemic solutions. While direct services meet immediate needs, advocacy ensures long-term, sustainable change. By lifting the voices of families and working with policymakers, we can address root causes and build a healthier, more equitable community.

Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child?

A. To make Ohio the best place to be a young child, we must ensure that every family has access to quality healthcare, financial stability, and strong community support. Investing in early childhood and maternal health, addressing inequities, and creating family-centered systems will give every child the chance to thrive.