Breaking the Cycle
In 2021, there were 38 million people living in poverty. A family of four making below $27,750 is considered living in poverty.
The cycle of poverty is a vicious spiral passing from one generation to the next. It is a complex issue with many contributing factors including education, health, geography, and household and family structure.
OPEN M is Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Combating Hunger
According to Feeding America, more than 34 million people face food insecurity in the United States, including 9 million children. Although a family might live above the poverty level, they can still struggle with limited or uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life. Food insecurity can have serious effects, including having to choose between paying for food, medical care, or other household bills; and affecting children’s ability to learn and grow. Underlying causes include unemployment, under-employment and inconsistent access to food.
OPEN M Food Services helps to keep food on the table for people experiencing hunger through a comprehensive group of food programs. Food Services is the first stop for families on their way out of poverty.
Our 2022 Impact:
$1,559,998
Worth of Groceries, Meals and Personal Care Items Distributed
50,634
People Fed through Food Services Programs
880,498
Pounds of Food Distributed
Providing Access to Healthcare
In November 2021, 14.5% of adults aged 18 - 64 were uninsured in the U.S. In addition, approximately 3,438 areas or populations were designated in 2020 as medically underserved by the HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a consequence of being underserved, under-insured or uninsured many Americans are forced to defer or neglect necessary medical care - resulting in a higher percentage of chronic diseases including asthma, hypertension and diabetes. OPEN M Health Services provides free services to uninsured adults. When our patients and participants are well fed and their medical needs have been met, they are able to move towards stable employment.
Our 2022 Impact:
$515,767
Worth of 30-Day Prescriptions Dispensed
1,046
Patient Visits in the Medical Clinic
$431,581
Market Value of Patient Visits in the Medical Clinic
Assisting in Overcoming Employment Barriers
In November 2021, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2%, Summit County was 3.6%, and the City of Akron was 6.4%. OPEN M Employment Services helps people become employed, stay employed and improve their quality of life. Each person is unique, so OPEN M offers different phases in the job search process depending on how much or how little assistance a person needs in achieving lasting employment.