Tables Ready, Hearts Welcoming: A Season of Service ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
OPEN M

A Word from Julie

Each year, our OPEN Your Heart Breakfast invites us to reflect on what it truly means to open our doors and our hearts. It is a reminder that everyone deserves a seat and every seat holds a story.

Today, I’m writing to share how critical that message has become.

One of our program contracts was recently revoked, it sustained critical services that many of our neighbors depend on. Without it, we must pivot quickly and thoughtfully to continue meeting the rising needs in our community.

At the same time, we are facing rising costs that directly affects those we support. The price of food for our pantry has increased by 15 percent. Medications for our clinic have gone up by 30 percent. These increases put added pressure on the very services so many rely on to survive.

Still, we press forward. Because our neighbors need us. And now, we ask for your help.

If OPEN M has ever touched your life or inspired you, this is the moment to act. A financial gift, especially a monthly one, allows us to plan more sustainably and respond more confidently. Monthly giving brings steadiness in a world where so much is uncertain.

If you are unable to give financially, we welcome another powerful gift: your time. We are urgently in need of volunteer doctors, dentists and dental hygienists to help keep our clinics running and our neighbors cared for. If you know a licensed professional, their time and expertise can make a real difference in our community.

Another way to make your gift go further is to check if your employer offers a corporate match. Many companies are willing to match your donation dollar for dollar, a simple way to double your impact.

OPEN M’s story is one of resilience, compassion and community, and you are a part of it. Together, we can continue to offer a seat, share a story and serve with open hearts.

With gratitude,

Julie Carneal
Chief Executive Officer

Join Us for OPEN M’s Annual Community Cookout July 25

View the highlights from last year’s Community Breakfast
Visit Annual Community Cookout 2024

Mark your calendars! OPEN M’s beloved Community Cookout returns Thursday, July 25 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the OPEN M parking lot and you’re invited!

Enjoy an afternoon of free food, music, games and fellowship as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of our neighbors and partners.

Plus, we’ll be holding a raffle every 10 to 15 minutes for a chance to win $25 Giant Eagle gift cards, so come ready to join the fun!

Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to OPEN M, this event is a great way to connect and enjoy some summer fun together.

Let’s make this year’s cookout the biggest and brightest yet!

Take a Walk with Purpose

Come tour OPEN M and see hope in action! Discover our story, explore the space and witness the incredible work God is doing through our mission. Click here to schedule a tour today!

If you have any questions or want more information contact
Julie Carneal at j.carneal@openm.org or Tracy Light at t.light@openm.org.

You’re invited to OPEN M’s Annual Breakfast: Open Doors & Open Hearts

Where Everyone Has a Seat, and Every Seat Has a Story.

Doors Open 7:00am
Program starts 7:30

Join us on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 7:30–9:30 AM at Firestone Country Club for a powerful morning of hospitality, inspiration and community impact. This year’s keynote speaker is Bob Pacanovsky of the Black Tie Experience, who will share insights on the dignity of service and the heart behind hospitality.

Come hear stories from the lives you've helped transform, enjoy a beautiful breakfast and discover how your support continues to open doors for neighbors in need.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! To become a sponsor, visit openm.org/breakfast2025 or reach out to 330-434-0110 marketing@openm.com.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the table!

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Building Bridges,
Creating Futures

Together We Can Create New Opportunities for Our Neighbors

We believe that a stable job can be the first step toward a transformed life. That’s why our Employment Services team is actively seeking new community and corporate partners who are passionate about creating job opportunities and building brighter futures.

We’re looking to expand our network of employers, training providers and workforce advocates to help break down barriers and connect our neighbors with meaningful employment. Whether you can offer job openings, mentorship or skill-building opportunities, your partnership can make a lasting impact.

Let’s work together to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. Interested in partnering with us?

Reach out to our Employment Services team at employment@openm.org

Shop OPEN M:
Gear That Gives Back

Get the Gear That Gives Back. → Visit Our Bonfire Store

Every purchase helps provide meals, medicine and support to families in need through OPEN M. Shop here.

Each item in our shop is more than just a shirt, bag or hoodie. It’s a direct investment in hope and healing for our neighbors.

~ A sweatshirt could help feed a family for a week.

~ A shirt might support transportation for someone newly hired.

~ A tote bag could fund medicine at our free clinic.

With every dollar spent, OPEN M generates $3.40 in community impact. That means your purchase goes further, fighting hunger, improving health and providing paths to stability.

Shop now. Wear your support. Fuel the mission.

 Shop Here 

Looking for Real-World Experience?

We are currently seeking marketing interns and summer volunteers who are passionate about storytelling, creativity and community impact.

Marketing internship opportunities include hands-on experience in:

  • Videography & photography

  • Web design

  • Social media content creation & management

Students can also volunteer with our team over the summer to support events, campaigns and behind-the-scenes communications work.

Whether you're looking to grow your portfolio or gain experience we’d love to have you on board.

Interested? Email us at marketing@openm.org or visit openm.org/internships to learn more and apply.

Annual Christmas in July Drive

Support OPEN M’s Book & Pajama Drive for Local Kids

We are once again gearing up for our Christmas for the Love of Children program with our Christmas in July Book & Pajama Drive and we’d love your help!

We're collecting new pajamas and new or gently used books for children from infant through age 17. Older children are often overlooked during holiday drives, so we’re especially encouraging donations for preteens and teens, who deserve just as much joy, comfort and care.

You can help by:

  • Donating books and pajamas

  • Shopping from our Amazon Wishlist

  • Spreading the word!

Donation boxes will be hosted at various community sites—including the OPEN M lobby. Visit our website to find a full list of locations and wish list details.

Collections run through the first week of August. For questions or to get involved, contact LeKesha Parkman at 330-434-0110 ext. 418 or l.parkman@openm.org.

Donor Gratitude Corner

We want to send a huge THANK YOU to Arlene Nettling and her family, who were the first to donate to this year's Christmas for the Love of Children Book and Pajama Drive. Arlene, along with her daughter Kim Yoak and son in law, delivered two cars full of brand-new toys, games and books, all lovingly collected to bring joy to children in need.

Their generosity deeply moved our team. It was more than a donation. It was a moment of shared purpose, hugs and hope.

Thank you, Arlene, for reminding us of what it means to give from the heart.

CALLING ALL COMPANIES:

Are you a company committed to finding the best talent while making a positive impact in your community? Look no further! Join forces with ES for Exceptional Employee Partnerships!

BECOME A CORE EMPLOYER!
Call 330.434.0110 ext. 435

Upcoming Dates

Stay Connected

Have you moved recently? Let us know so we can keep you in the loop with upcoming events, volunteer needs and community updates.

July 18 - Mountain of Food (9-11 AM)

July 24 - Community Cookout

July 21-23, 25, 28-31 - Grab & Go Lunches

Aug. 15 - Mountain of Food (9-11 AM)

Aug. 18 - 22, 25-29 - Grab & Go Lunches

Sept. 1 - Labor Day (Offices Closed)

Sept. 10 - OPEN Your Heart Breakfast (7-9AM)

Sept. 19 - Mountain of Food (9-11 AM)

Sept. 22-26, 29, 30 - Grab & Go Lunches

OPEN M
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941 Princeton St., Akron, OH 44133, United States

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