Typically, hunger-relief programs are created by a group of individuals or an organization that realizes the need for food within a community. But sometimes a program is formed by an individual who is deeply passionate about helping people and who has lived through difficult times themselves.
Meet Rusty Nottingham. He’s the founder and president of the Akron Dream Center, an organization that strives to provide the necessities for families, such as food, while also providing resources and assistance through a variety of outreach initiatives and programs.
“There was a season of my life where I was tough to love and in a rough spot — so I’ve always had a heart for people that are walking through that season of life, too,” said Rusty.
After years in ministry work, Rusty decided to follow his heart and dedicate his time and energy to serving families living in the Wilbeth Arlington Homes development, a complex of subsidized homes. After talking with residents, he learned that many people remain indoors due to violence and drug activity.
“One way to fight against that is to give people the opportunity to come together over a meal — that flushes out some of the negativity and toxicity and acts as an equalizer — we all have to eat,” he said.
Offering a hot meal to residents allowed Rusty and his volunteers to come into an area where they didn’t know anyone and greet them with love and acceptance.
“It’s in our DNA to love people right where they’re at, and that includes people who are hard to love, hard to reach and rough around the edges. Everyone has a story, and a lot of times, a tough exterior means there are symptoms of a deeper problem.”
Meeting people where they’re at is exactly what Akron Dream Center does through its flagship Community Block Party. Rain, snow or shine, a hot meal is made and served outdoors in the courtyard of the housing development. The Community Block Party acts as a catalyst for building a healthy community, providing an opportunity for individuals and families to come together, share a meal, and grow in relationship with one another.
In addition to the hot meal, Akron Dream Center partners with alternative schools in Akron to provide bags of food to 320 students each week. Offering foods that are easy-to-open and easy-to-prepare are essential for younger children who may prepare their own meals on weekends.
As Rusty continues to grow the Akron Dream Center’s programming, he hopes to replicate the Community Block Party model to serve even more families facing hunger, while also expanding the backpack program. Because of his partnership with the Foodbank, these goals are achievable.
"Our Foodbank is incredible. It helps us to sustain and grow, knowing that we have a supply of food that we can depend on.”