An Akron nonprofit is struggling to serve the public while facing some big bills and the coronavirus pandemic.
Like many nonprofits in Ohio, First Glance – a youth center in Kenmore -- has had to radically alter operations since last March. Before the pandemic, they offered programs to help young people including at-risk youth, pre-K students, and teen Moms.
Executive Director Jessica Swiger says they’ve been able to offer some programming, but with fewer kids to maintain social distance. One example is a partnership with nearby Pfeiffer Elementary.
“The biggest concern of the principal [was] saying ‘these kids aren’t getting online when they need to do their school.’ So, we provide internet and provide mentors and tutors that can help them with their schooling,” Swiger said.
But much of their resources are now directed outside the building, delivering meals and toys to the neighborhood – partly for social distancing, and partly because the fire department says the building’s fire suppression system needs to be replaced – a $30,000 investment at a time when the financial picture for nonprofits is uncertain.
According to wwiger, “We’re 55 percent funded by individuals. We also receive a lot of grants from generous foundations in Akron. But a lot of these foundations are switching to COVID relief – but they’re not funding very many capital campaigns right now.”
Swiger invites anyone interested in helping out to contact her here or at jessica@firstglance.org.
